The Prosecutors Podcast - Episode 307: The West Memphis 3 Part 8 -- Satanic Panic

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Hosts: Alice and Brett
Podcast Series: The Prosecutors
Artwork: Custom case art by Hannah Hill (Instagram)

Overview

In Episode 307 of The Prosecutors, titled "The West Memphis 3 Part 8 -- Satanic Panic," hosts Alice and Brett delve into the influence of the Satanic Panic on the investigation and prosecution of the West Memphis Three case. This episode explores the historical context of the Satanic Panic, the testimonies that fueled it, and its impact on the wrongful convictions of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr.

Section 1: Introduction to Satanic Panic

Alice [02:02]:
"Hi, Brett. Way to go. Way to go. As a precursor for talking a lot about Satanism today."

Brett [02:10]:
"Satan."

The hosts set the stage for discussing Satanism's role in the West Memphis Three case, highlighting their intent to analyze whether the case was a product of the broader Satanic Panic or if genuine occult activities influenced the investigation.

Section 2: Historical Context of the Satanic Panic

Brett [03:18]:
"This case sits sort of at the tail end of the Satanic Panic, which is a really interesting period in American history."

Brett references the podcast Devil and the Deep Blue Sea to emphasize how Satanic Panic became intertwined with high-profile cases like McMartin Preschool, where unfounded allegations of widespread satanic ritual abuse led to costly and lengthy prosecutions with no convictions.

Section 3: The Genesis of Satanic Ritual Abuse Concerns

Alice [05:51]:
"Important you go straight to the top."

The discussion transitions to the origins of Satanic ritual abuse fears, starting with the publication of Michelle Remembers. This book introduced the concept of recovered memories of satanic abuse, setting a precedent for similar, often unsubstantiated claims.

Brett [04:28]:
"They were part of what was going on with this whole thing. And so during this ritual, multiple children and adults had been sacrificed."

The hosts examine how sensationalized accounts and media coverage exacerbated fears, leading to widespread belief in satanic cults committing heinous crimes.

Section 4: Media Influence and Public Perception

Alice [09:55]:
"This isn't just sensationalism in the book. This is now in real people's lives."

Alice underscores the profound impact media reports like ABC's 2020 Devil Worshippers on public perception, which fueled fears of a widespread satanic conspiracy.

Brett [11:46]:
"Well, I just want to say that if you haven't seen this, you can watch it on YouTube."

Brett encourages listeners to view the 2020 episode to understand how national media amplified fears, making Satanism seem pervasive and threatening.

Section 5: Satanic Panic's Role in the West Memphis Three Case

Alice [15:32]:
"Here we have a 2020 report. Barbara Walters basically warning the nation...”

Alice connects the national Satanic Panic to the local investigation in West Memphis, illustrating how pervasive fears influenced the police's approach.

Brett [25:06]:
"Damisn was definitely dabbling in all this stuff, you know, he absolutely was."

Brett reflects on Damien Echols' interest in occult practices, suggesting that while Damien engaged in alternative religions, it doesn't inherently mean he was involved in satanic activities.

Section 6: Testimonies and Allegations of Satanic Activities

Alvis Clem Bly [40:48]:
"He said that the cult would kill dogs and chickens... and in the center of a pentagram..."

Alvis Clem Bly's testimony provides graphic descriptions of alleged satanic rituals, including animal sacrifices. The hosts critically analyze the credibility of such testimonies, highlighting inconsistencies and possible motives for fabrication.

Alice [44:05]:
"When was it checked out? I wonder who has it."

Alice humorously questions the existence of the Necronomicon, a fictional book often cited in satanic narratives, pointing out the implausibility of its influence on the case.

Section 7: The Proliferation of Cultist Narratives

Brett [56:58]:
"Just really quick, I'm not an expert in animal sacrifices at all, but isn't like at least historically, the purpose of a sacrifice is that you give it up..."

Alice and Brett discuss the nature of animal sacrifices, challenging the narratives presented by witnesses and emphasizing the blend of myth and unfounded claims in the testimonies.

Section 8: Police Investigation and Influence of Satanic Beliefs

Brett [73:04]:
"Stonehenge is the same way. It looks creepy, but it's just because it's this, like, abandoned building."

The hosts explore how local rumors and Satanic Panic-influenced testimonies led police to associate the murders with occult rituals, creating a narrative that may have overshadowed concrete evidence.

Alice [84:12]:
"I mean, I think it helps explain why certain measures were taken...but I don't think this is a satanic killing."

Alice concludes that while Satanic Panic influenced the investigation, the murders themselves were likely not part of any satanic rituals, suggesting that the focus on Satanism may have hindered a more logical investigation.

Section 9: Hosts' Perspectives and Conclusions

Brett [80:23]:
"Personally, I have always believed, and I continue to believe, even after reading all this, seeing all this, that whatever happened in those woods had nothing to do with Satanism."

Brett asserts his stance that the West Memphis Three case was a tragic crime not rooted in satanic activities, but rather influenced by the societal fears of the time.

Alice [86:22]:
"I think it helps explain why certain measures were taken...I don't think this is going to be the key for understanding what happened that night to the boys."

Alice echoes Brett's sentiment, emphasizing that while understanding the influence of Satanic Panic is crucial for contextualizing the case, it doesn't contribute to solving the mystery of the murders.

Conclusion

Episode 307 of The Prosecutors provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Satanic Panic of the late 20th century intersected with the West Memphis Three case. Through critical examination of testimonies, media influence, and societal fears, Alice and Brett argue that the wrongful convictions were significantly influenced by unfounded satanic narratives rather than concrete evidence, urging listeners to discern between myth and reality in true crime investigations.

Notable Quotes:

• Alice [02:02]: "Hi, Brett. Way to go. Way to go. As a precursor for talking a lot about Satanism today."
• Brett [03:18]: "This case sits sort of at the tail end of the Satanic Panic, which is a really interesting period in American history."
• Alice [09:55]: "This isn't just sensationalism in the book. This is now in real people's lives."
• Brett [25:06]: "Damien was definitely dabbling in all this stuff, you know, he absolutely was."
• Alvis Clem Bly [40:48]: "He said that the cult would kill dogs and chickens... and in the center of a pentagram..."
• Alice [44:05]: "When was it checked out? I wonder who has it."
• Brett [80:23]: "Personally, I have always believed...that whatever happened in those woods had nothing to do with Satanism."
• Alice [86:22]: "I think it helps explain why certain measures were taken...I don't think this is going to be the key for understanding what happened that night to the boys."

Next Episode Preview:

Brett and Alice hint at delving deeper into the West Memphis Three case in upcoming episodes, focusing on the autopsies, injuries, possible weapons, and other concrete evidence to piece together what truly transpired during the tragic murders.

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