Podcast Summary: The Prosecutors – Episode 314: The West Memphis 3 Part 13 – The Devil's Knots

Introduction

In Episode 314 of The Prosecutors, hosted by Brett and Alice from PodcastOne, the focus shifts intensely towards dissecting the infamous West Memphis Three case. This episode delves deep into the nuances of the case, particularly examining the autopsy reports, the nature of the injuries sustained by the victims, the peculiarities of the knots used to bind them, and the initial investigative procedures that followed the tragic events.

Autopsy Findings and Theories

The discussion begins with a profound analysis of the autopsy findings, emphasizing the critical injury to Christopher Byers. Brett highlights the significance of Byers' emasculation, questioning whether it was perpetrated by a single individual or resulted from animal predation post-mortem.

Brett [04:26]: "There are a lot of injuries. The biggest question is about this injury to Christopher Byers... he knows that Christopher Byers was essentially emasculated."

Alice contributes by providing real-life examples to elucidate the concept of degloving, comparing it to medical scenarios such as circumcision and webbed fingers.

Alice [10:13]: "Imagine pulling a glove off your hand. That's essentially what happens, but with the skin."

The hosts discuss Dr. Peretti's testimony during the trial, where he emphasizes the skill and precision required to inflict such injuries, suggesting that it would be challenging to achieve without medical knowledge or a sharp instrument.

Brett [07:00]: "It would take someone who had some medical knowledge, wouldn't it?"

They also explore the alternative theory of animal predation, debating whether animals could cause such precise and horrific injuries.

Brett [09:16]: "The animals, they didn't, you know, with precision, bite the skin off. It was more like a ripping action."

Knot Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the knots—referred to as the "Devil's Knots"—used to bind the boys. Brett meticulously breaks down the different types of knots found on each victim, questioning the consistency and what it implies about the perpetrators' number and intent.

Brett [30:26]: "There are three pairs of shoes found. The way the knots were tied suggests multiple individuals might be involved."

Alice questions the uniformity of the knots, suggesting that the variations could indicate the involvement of more than one person.

Alice [43:33]: "The different knots point to more than one person tying these."

They further discuss the implications of using square knots versus half hitches, debating whether these variations could be accidental or intentional.

Brett [40:57]: "Is it possible one person is tying all these? I don't think so."

The analysis leads them to consider the possibility of multiple perpetrators, especially given the complexity and brutality of tying the knots differently on each child.

Initial Investigation and Forensic Challenges

The hosts shed light on the initial investigation led by Detective Gary Gitchell, highlighting significant delays and frustrations, particularly concerning the crime lab's handling of evidence. Brett reads out Gitchell's letter, showcasing Gitchell's desperation for crucial forensic information to move the case forward.

Brett [64:11]: "Three weeks after the murders, and we still have no cause of death... It's like walking blindfolded through this case."

Alice emphasizes the systemic issues within the investigation, pointing out the challenges of working with external crime labs and the lack of timely information.

Alice [70:19]: "This letter gives us a lot of insight into how he's thinking about the case and he's asking all the right questions."

They discuss the implications of the missing forensic data, such as unidentified fibers and residue under the victims' nails, which could have been pivotal in identifying the perpetrators.

Murder Weapons and Evidence Collection

The episode progresses to examine the potential murder weapons, primarily focusing on the police's theory of the use of large sticks. Brett criticizes the evidence collection methodology, noting the lack of concrete evidence linking the found sticks to the murders.

Alice [25:37]: "They got some sticks, but they could have been sticks fallen from trees after the fact."

They debate the absence of wood splinters or tree bark in the victims' wounds, which undermines the stick theory and suggests alternative methods of inflicting injuries, such as using a baseball bat or physical violence like kicking and stomping.

Brett [28:43]: "There are no wood splinters or tree bark found in any of the boys' wounds."

The hosts also touch upon the mishandling of evidence, citing the example of the homemade club found in Damien's closet, which was mishandled and compromised its evidentiary value.

Brett [27:54]: "The way it was collected is certainly not peak evidence collection methodology."

Conclusions and Future Discussion

As the episode wraps up, Brett and Alice reflect on the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding the West Memphis Three case. They express the intention to continue exploring the case in future episodes, including delving into alibis, criminal histories, and confessions.

Brett [85:59]: "This is why we're on episode 13 and people are still debating this case."

Alice underscores the importance of understanding the investigative process without hindsight bias, reminding listeners that investigators work under immense pressure and without a clear roadmap.

Alice [87:29]: "Investigators are human beings who have to work on instinct and experience. There's never a roadmap."

The hosts invite listeners to engage with them through emails and social media, encouraging a collaborative exploration of the case.

Notable Quotes

• Brett [04:26]: "There are a lot of injuries. The biggest question is about this injury to Christopher Byers... he knows that Christopher Byers was essentially emasculated."

• Alice [10:13]: "Imagine pulling a glove off your hand. That's essentially what happens, but with the skin."

• Brett [30:26]: "There are three pairs of shoes found. The way the knots were tied suggests multiple individuals might be involved."

• Alice [43:33]: "The different knots point to more than one person tying these."

• Brett [64:11]: "Three weeks after the murders, and we still have no cause of death... It's like walking blindfolded through this case."

• Alice [87:29]: "Investigators are human beings who have to work on instinct and experience. There's never a roadmap."

Conclusion

Episode 314 of The Prosecutors offers a meticulous and thought-provoking examination of the West Memphis Three case, focusing on the forensic anomalies and investigative shortcomings that have fueled ongoing debates about the true nature of the crimes and the guilt of the accused. Brett and Alice provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved, setting the stage for further exploration in upcoming episodes.