The Evidence Room - When Justice Fails

This month, we will examine the 1993 murders of three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, and the subsequent convictions of three teenagers who became known as the West Memphis Three. Amid a wave of fear surrounding alleged occult activity, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were charged and convicted in a case that continues to spark debate decades later.

This case highlights the influence of moral panic, the reliability of confessions obtained under pressure, and the role of media in shaping public perception of guilt. As questions surrounding the investigation and forensic evidence mounted, the case drew national attention and ultimately resulted in the men’s release in 2011 through Alford pleas—leaving ongoing discussions about justice, accountability, and unresolved evidence.

Join us as we explore the details of the investigation, the cultural climate of the early 1990s, and the legal proceedings that followed. Participants are encouraged to listen to the suggested podcast episode beforehand, though all are welcome to join the conversation.

Suggested Podcast Episode: Killer Queens - Episode 213

Click here for the link to the Episode: The West Memphis Three

Content Warning: This discussion includes violent crime involving children and themes of wrongful conviction. Recommended for adults and mature teens.