This was an interesting press conference to watch. These men are clearly overwhelmed and exhausted by the system. I think they were very genuine and sincere in this interview.
When I watch Damien Echols, I see a deep thinking man, who has a lot of intellect. He is the one who obviously speaks on their behalf because he is most comfortable doing so.
As more interviews, come out, let me know.
If you haven’t read the news today, there is chatter all around the Internet that the West Memphis Three may be released this afternoon. For all of us who believe in their innocence–that’s amazing news. But there is a glitch. While there is a gag order on anyone speaking about the case, Forbes is reporting that the court is going to allow the three men, who were incarcerated almost two decades ago, to change their plea to an Alford plea.
If you haven’t heard of an Alford plea, you are not alone. An Alford plea is where the defendant agrees to plead guilty, but maintains he is innocent, but he does so because he agrees that the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict him.
From Wikipedia:
According to the University of Richmond Law Review, “When offering an Alford plea, a defendant asserts his innocence but admits that sufficient evidence exists to convict him of the offense.”
Mark Byers, the father of one of the boys who were killed, said that when he talked to the prosecutors, they planned to enter a no-contest plea. He also said that he believed this was a cop-out by the state so they don’t have to admit they made a mistake.
I’ve also read that only 2 of the 3 men will be released on time served and one will remain in prison.
I would really like to hear from these men, if they get released. Are they feeling immense fear after being wrongly convicted that they could be falsely convicted if they went to trial again, as the system failed them once? Or is there truly sufficient evidence in this case that they feel could win a case against them?
I have to admit if I was railroaded once by the system, I would not take a second chance and I would get out to live my life anyway I could. I would be jaded for a lifetime, without question, but I wouldn’t care about what anyone thought as long as I had freedom.
Imagine being set free and trying to live a life if you are these guys. Their chances of successful integration into society would be immensely difficult.
This will be interesting to watch develop. Seeing the men speak out, if they get released, will truly be fascinating!
We’ve started this discussion on my Facebook page and I thought I would bring it to my readers who are not on Facebook as well.
If you could ask me any question, what would it be?
If you are not a friend of mine on Facebook, you are welcome to become one! Click here.
This is a great example of a universal expression!
Don’t forget to watch Take the Money and Run tonight at 8 PM CST on ABC.
If my schedule permits, I plan to log on to my Facebook account and share my thoughts live while the show airs. You’ll get to see a natural’s perspective. I’m on central standard time for those who can join in!
Paul Bishop, the interrogator on the show, has offered to do an interview for us, so if you have any questions for Paul, please post them below.
I can’t wait to see tonight’s episode! Enjoy spotting the clues to deception!! See you on FB!
