Summary of "The Prosecutors" Podcast Episode 303: "West Memphis 3 Part 5"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Prosecutors
• Host/Author: PodcastOne
• Episode: 303. West Memphis 3 Part 5
• Release Date: April 29, 2025
• Description: A true crime podcast offering a unique prosecutorial perspective on infamous cold cases, with hosts Alice and Brett dissecting the most captivating mysteries.

Introduction to the Investigation Timeline

Brett begins the episode by emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear timeline for the West Memphis 3 case:

"[01:59] Brett: I'm Brett. And I'm Alice and we are the prosecutors. Today on the Prosecutors, we start the timeline of the investigation."

He stresses that accurate timelines are crucial for understanding police discoveries and evidence accumulation.

Critical Times on the Day of the Murders

Alice and Brett outline the key sightings and statements surrounding the disappearance of the West Memphis 3:

• Last Confirmed Sightings:
  • Cynthia Rico: Between 6:00 and 6:30 PM.
  • Jeff Martens and Brian Woody: Between 6:30 and 6:45 PM.
  • Christopher Wall: Around 7:00 PM, though his statement is singular and less reliable.

"[04:00] Brett: So here are the critical times on the day of the murders... The last time anyone claims to see them is at around 7, when Christopher Wall sees the boys."

They highlight inconsistencies in Wall's account, such as his girlfriend's alibi placing him at a payphone at 7:30 PM.

Police Investigation: Strengths and Shortcomings

The hosts critique the police investigation, pointing out notable failures:

• Lack of Precise Timeline: The police failed to accurately determine when the boys entered the woods, which is pivotal since the murders occurred post-entry.

  "[05:45] Alice: Then they truly, if they had nothing else, they should have pinned that down within a spectrum... That's the most important thing to pin down..."

• Insufficient Follow-Up: Initial canvassing did not lead to thorough interviews, leaving uncertainties about critical moments.

"[06:03] Brett: Yes, it is the absolute most important thing to pin down. And they don't do it... So we're left guessing about when the boys actually entered the woods."

Alibis of the West Memphis Three

Brett presents the alibis of the three defendants, demonstrating their plausibility based on the timeline:

• Jesse Misskelley: Claims to have been at Stephanie Dollar's house witnessing domestic altercations around 6:30 PM and then at Daisy Wrestling by 7:00 PM.

  "[07:14] Alice: So in other words, a very tight timeline... Especially when we're talking about a triple murder."

• Damien Echols: Family confirms he was visiting another family during the critical time frame.

• Jason Baldwin: Lacks a strong alibi, with conflicting statements about his whereabouts.

Introduction of Alternative Suspects

The episode explores other individuals implicated or considered suspects:

• Terry Hobbs and John Mark Byers: Present challenging alibis due to their interactions with the victims shortly after the reported murders.

  "[09:20] Alice: So some things to note about this... the timeline purposes for Hobbes and for John Mark Byers are confirmed outside of themselves."

• Mr. Bojangles: Reports of a mysterious individual in a restaurant restroom near the time of the murders introduce another potential suspect.

Focus on Damien Echols

Damien Echols' interactions with police are scrutinized:

• Initial Interview: Damien describes his involvement with a white witchcraft group and provides a detailed account of his day, which includes a new necklace purchased shortly after the murders—a piece later found with blood.

  "[56:00] Brett: So he meets this person that he considered to be a priestess of this religion... and starts dating Deanna Holcomb."

• Polygraph Test: Damien fails a polygraph, increasing police suspicion despite the test's questionable reliability.

  "[60:36] Alice: So a few observations... the police do continue to investigate down this line because they are avenues of investigation that Damien puts before them."

The Satanic Panic Context

The hosts discuss how the wider Satanic Panic influenced the investigation, with police and community members interpreting the brutal nature of the murders through an occult lens.

"[20:24] Alice: Definitely something going on here. It's not just this whole satanic panic thing. There was some real satanic stuff."

Damien's Interview and Behavioral Analysis

Damien exhibits behaviors and statements that both intrigue and alarm the investigators:

• Statements on the Murderer: Suggests the killer desired power through the sacrifice of innocent victims.
• Symbolism and Evidence: References to stones, candles, and crystals align with the discovery of candle wax on one victim, reinforcing occult theories.

"[57:04] Alice: So this is all really interesting to note, right?... He is framing these murders as a cult murder."

Discussion on Polygraph Reliability

Brett and Alice express skepticism about the efficacy of polygraph tests, especially for individuals deeply involved in alternative belief systems.

"[36:20] Brett: Yeah. And if I ever say that a polygraph means somebody's innocent or guilty, call me out on it because I just have so little faith in them."

Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Towards the episode's end, the hosts recommend several books for listeners interested in delving deeper into the West Memphis 3 case, balancing perspectives from both defense and prosecution sides.

"[70:41] Alice: So on May 7th, which is the initial outline..."; "He stopped denying his involvement...," etc.

They also briefly discuss podcasting advice, emphasizing passion and authenticity over catering to detractors.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett on the Importance of Timeline:

  "[02:47] Brett: There you go, Jessica. Basketball. Alabama is a basketball school. I don't know what you're talking about."

• Alice on Polygraph Faults:

  "[06:03] Brett: Yes, it is the absolute most important thing to pin down..." "[36:33] Alice: They're useful for like lying. Right."

• Brett on Damien's Behavior:

  "[55:26] Brett: Damien said, I will tell you all about it if you will let me talk to my mother."

• Alice on Podcasting Advice:

  "[72:33] Alice: No. Yes, I do. Very low barriers to entry..."

Conclusion

In this fifth installment of their series on the West Memphis 3 case, Alice and Brett meticulously dissect the initial investigation's timeline, scrutinize police methodologies, and explore the multifaceted alibis and suspects involved. Their prosecutorial perspective offers listeners a detailed examination of the complexities and controversies surrounding one of true crime's most debated cases.

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