Damien’s Struggle for Freedom on CNN Friday 11 pm
CNN will broadcast a feature story on the struggle for freedom of the West Memphis 3 – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley imprisoned for 17 years.
The story will include an extensive interview with Damien Echols from Arkansas’s death row.
Update on the Case
The Arkansas Supreme Court reopened the case with a unanimous decision in November 2010. It was the best legal development in this case in 17 years.
The high court directed that the new hearing be sweeping in its scope, and that the Circuit Court must consider all evidence that is relevant to whether the three men deserve a new trial.
Judge David Laser of Craighead County Circuit Court is presiding over the hearing. The first court appearance in the case was held in January 2011, when Judge Laser met with lawyers for the defendants. At that time, he expressed his desire to move the evidentiary hearing along as quickly as possible. Attorneys now have 45 days to submit briefs outlining the issues they want to present and to schedule the hearing dates.
The new hearing could span the year due to the schedules of the judge and the defense attorneys, as well as the amount of evidence that the defense will be able to present. The scope of the hearing will be much like a full trial with all evidence of their innocence from DNA to new witnesses presented to Judge Laser. Even evidence presented at trial 17 years ago, which provided strong alibis for the three, will be considered.
But We Need Your Help!
In the coming months there will be additional DNA testing, new forensic and DNA experts brought into the court, new witnesses interviewed and prepared to testify and even further field investigations undertaken to obtain additional evidence of their innocence.
The cost to gain the freedom for Damien, Jason and Jessie is staggering. While attorneys are working pro bono, the money the defense needs to prepare this case could easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Please consider making a contribution and tell your friends and others interested in this case to help us if they can.