Mena. WEST MEMPHIS, AR Before Making a Murderer and before Serial, there was the West Memphis Three. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 26. The first film gave rise to a movement devoted to reopening the investigation in hopes of exonerating, and ultimately freeing, Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jessie Misskelley. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The city has seen a slight decline in overall crimes but compared to other cities nearby, Memphis still is very dangerous. This yields a total of 323 sex offenders in Arkansas per 100,000 residents which is 21% greater than the national average. This city has a magical allure that attracts eager tourists looking to experience a different culture and learn about Americas musical history. The boys had been stripped naked, hogtied with their . Copyright 2000-2023 Location Inc. Updated annually. Replacing Burnett was Circuit Court Judge David Laser. RMDMWTWG - June 6, 1993 - West Memphis, U.S. - June 6, 1993 - A month after West Memphis police discovered the bodies of three 8-year-olds and two days after three local teenagers were arraigned in the murders, small red flags still dot the crime scene in Robin Hood Hills. Wading into the murky water, Allen unknowingly dislodged the pale, grotesquely arched form of Micheal Moore. The West Memphis Three Trial: Selected Images. It was higher than in 99.2% U.S. cities. Methodology: The Messed Up Truth About The West Memphis Three Murders, citing the discovery of her son's favorite pocket knife, One of the prosecution's key pieces of evidence linking Jason Baldwin, With their 2007 request for a new trial rejected, Baldwin is the co-founder of the legal advocacy organization Proclaim Justice. Additionally, Dr. Hsu noted that clawed animals such as turtles will dig their appendages into a food source to gain traction while theyre eating. One of the keys to understanding the West Memphis Three murders is the phenomenon known as the Satanic Panic. MEMPHIS, Tenn Many Memphians have seen speculation growing online of a serial killer in the Westwood community. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Fordyce. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. That there were three victims was a link to the biblical number of the beast. Its no secret that Memphis hasnt had the best reputation regarding crime. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Arkansas, as well as the rest of the US. I dont know if she got shot in the car or if she got burned in her car. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. But you may have to reconsider visiting this neighborhood if you want to decrease your chances of becoming a crime victim. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The 'West Memphis Three' were exonerated following the advent of improved DNA technology (West Memphis Police Department) John Mark Byers, who was suspected in the deaths of three West Memphis children in 1993, died in a car crash earlier this week, officials in Tennessee revealed on Friday, June 19. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE AUGUST 25, 2017: Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn/Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. With the area secured, Detective Bryn Ridge volunteered to search the ditch. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) One person was killed and four others were wounded in a shooting Sunday at a Memphis intersection, according to police. However, criminals are always lurking, aiming to make a quick buck or steal from oblivious tourists. Damien Echols was one of three teens convicted of killing three small boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, in 1993. Few other communities of this size have a crime rate as high as West Memphis. According to Griffis, black hair, black T-shirts, and black jeans were signs that a kid was in league with the devil. The third put forth the unusual theory that the killings were committed as a cult ritual. Pam Hobbs divorced Terry Hobbs in 2004 and has reversed her position on the West Memphis Three's guilt. Memphis, Tennessee August 19, 2018: Police car of Memphis park on the road among the building in downtown, USA/Mont592/Shutterstock. To bolster their assertions that the killings were related to occult activity despite virtually no evidence prosecutors brought in their own so-called expert on cult murders. On May 5, 1993, Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branchall of whom were eight years oldwent bike riding in West Memphis. Over the past year, attorneys have been pushing for an opportunity to retest crucial evidence that could bring new light as to what happened nearly 30 years ago. In regards to Byers' extensive genitalia injuries, Dr. Hsu said if they had been inflicted with a knife, the wounds would be more consistent and cleaner. She said, however, that "there's a really good chance, high probability that that is purely animal activity post-mortem.". The rate of crime in West Memphis is 86.21 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The area is full of young professionals who want to live in the city but without chaos. "There is supposedly a serial killer in the Memphis area," said TikToker @jaymontee1. You could also strictly stick around areas like Germantown, Cooper-Young, Binghamton, Midtown, and East Memphis because they are much safer. There are a total of 8,875 sex offenders in Arkansas. Its a number that brings a frown on anyone who may want to explore this area, given how you may not want to end your holiday without properly exploring Memphis. The odds of becoming a victim of a crime in West Memphis are one in nine. Im really concerned about the crime in my community, said Marvin Cox, West Memphis resident. Overall, only the boys head injuries appeared to have been inflicted before they died, and their most likely cause of death was drowning, said Dr. Hsu. With the likes of Elvis Presley, BB King, Don Williams, and countless more, this is where you want to be if youre looking to have a fun vacation. As a result, if you are a visitor, avoid walking alone in Downtown Memphis at night. Criminals are good at spotting visitors who seem aloof and will easily steal from you. 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While Memphis has a long way to go before its considered a reasonably safe place to visit, rest assured that it has a strong police presence that aims to maintain public safety. However, as long as you stick to the touristy areas, youre in the best position to have a safe to and fun vacation. No two blocks are the same. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Are you set to travel to Memphis soon? Separately, it is always interesting and important to compare a city's crime rate with those of similarly sized communities - a fair comparison as larger cities tend to have more crime. Also part of the plea was the provision that the three could not sue the state. WREGwanted to find out if crime is on the rise in West Memphis this year. The Victims: Chris Byers, Michael Moore, and Steven Branch. Another incident involved a 15-year-old boy being shot multiple times outside an apartment complex on January 6. They were nude and hogtied, and all three had what appeared to be scratches, bite marks and possible stab wounds. Youtube Mugshots of the West Memphis Three. Reports include arrest logs, mugshots, bookings and more. 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This results in 3.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 25.8% greater than the Arkansas average and 14.1% greater than the National average. However, as is the case in any densely populated area, there are always a few bad apples that aim to ruin the peace. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. I avoid walking in most areas at night. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. Don't be surprised if you see police officers walking around. "I lived 15 miles away from West Memphis and the crime scene" (2010 interview, Larry King interview). Luckily, most areas where violent criminal cases are high are far from where tourists are likely to visit. After hours of questioning, a frustrated Morgan blurted out that he had been hospitalized for drug and alcohol abuse and might have committed the murders. To date, no DNA evidence from the crime scene can be linked to Damien Echols, Baldwin, or Jessie Misskelley. While Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley have been free since 2011, they are still technically convicted killers. theunredacted 02 Mar 2018. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Misskelley's coerced confession, as contradictory as it seemed to the evidence, was consistent in implicating Echols and Jason Baldwin. Former FBI profiler John Douglas noted in his 2014 book Law & Disorder: Inside the Dark Heart of Murder" that the West Memphis Three defense team hired forensic pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz and forensic scientist Dr. Jon Norby, who concluded that the genital wounds on Byers were from postmortem animal predation.. Feigning a romantic interest in Echols, she asked Misskelley to arrange a meeting. Gun violence, homicides, burglaries, aggravated assault, theft, and gang wars are some of the highest occurrences reported in this category. WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. What are the most charming towns in Arkansas? Our nationwide meta-analysis overcomes the issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors. A Memphis Police spokesperson released this statement saying in part:"At this point, no ongoing homicide investigation has been determined to be connected. Violent West Memphis Police Departments. "I didn't want to see it," Byers said in 2007. The first being that boys were killed by someone they knew. persons involved *graphic* victim photos ***WARNING*** THIS SECTION SOLELY CONTAINS VERY GRAPHIC, VERY REAL IMAGES OF THE VICTIMS DEAD BODIES. Thataintthe only crime happening in West Memphis, said Tommy Davis of West Memphis. However, all unsolved investigations are ongoing.". There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. In the years since the trial, John Mark Byers, adoptive father of Christopher Byers, and Pamela Hobbs, mother of Stevie Branch, became vocal supporters of the West Memphis Three. I'm not stupid." At this time, West Memphis sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities. The small West Memphis Police Department didn't properly secure or process the crime scene; it was "trampled," and any evidence like footprints or blood spatter was probably destroyed. Violent Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents), Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents). Memphis police said, right now, there's no investigative evidence pointing towards a serial killer. She also stated that beyond the single meeting at her trailer, she had no further contact with Echols. If you find yourself in Spawn, beware of people standing on the street corners, even if they appear to be kids. The 2019 crime rate in West Memphis, AR is 824 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 3.0 times greater than the U.S. average. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. Bray asked her if she knew about rumored cult activity in the community. I didn't even comprehend that the situation could get this serious that it can go this far. What are the odds that you'll be safer in West Memphis, Arkansas compared to other areas of Arkansas, as well as the rest of America? The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In West Memphis, your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is one in 25, which is a rate of 39 per one thousand population. NeighborhoodScout provides exclusive crime risk analytics for every neighborhood in America with up to 98% predictive accuracy. MPD says the tractor-trailer driver was not injured. West Memphis police were still poring over the crime scene Friday and canvassing the boys' nearby neighborhood, looking for anyone who might have seen something suspicious. Crime. There is some crime, but it doesn't impact me much. One of the centerpieces of the "West Memphis Three" case says an Arkansas prosecutor is refusing to cooperate with DNA testing that could potentially help solve three murders for good. Crime risk indices are nationally comparable on a 1 100 scale, where 100 means safer than 100% of U.S. neighborhoods. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in West Memphis is 261 to 1. The same research revealed that the number of registered sex offenders who reside in West Memphis is 60 as of 13th February 2019. The film makes a persuasive case that the accused men - Damien Echols, Jessie . Prosecutors then offered the West Memphis Three a plea deal. I kind of enjoy it because now even after I die, people are going to remember me forever. Common crimes ailing Memphis are violent crimes and property crimes. The NeighborhoodScout search engine is covered under US Patents No. This town has buildings from the Civil War that were used by both sides during the Red River Campaign. Based on 10 responses. The majority of, The chance of a tourist or resident becoming a victim of a crime in Little Rock is one in ten. Thefts and break-ins are a daily occurrence in Orange Mound. In addition, NeighborhoodScout found that a lot of the crime that takes place in West Memphis is property crime. This analysis applies to West Memphis's proper boundaries only. That number is (870)732-4444. Misskelley, who had entered the West Memphis police station that morning with hopes of reward money he might use to purchase a new truck for his father found himself instead charged with murder and facing life plus 40 years in prison. Echols' attorneys finally got access Tuesday to the evidence they believe can exonerate all three men. Despite the FBI statistics, there are still a lot of great things about these towns. In 2016, the site seemed to be showing its age. Polygraph tests revealed deception in the answers of both men in regard to the crimes. Based on violent and property crime rates. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Little kids will be looking under their bed 'Damien might be under there! Among those active in the cause were singer Eddie Vedder of the band Pearl Jam, the country music trio The Dixie Chicks, punk rock icon and poet Henry Rollins, and actor Johnny Depp. Investigators theorized the bodies of Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore had been mutilated in a Satanic ritual, but could they have been torn apart by animals? "People probably think I'm in Satanism because what they don't understand they try to destroy or ridicule. "The reason I made the West Memphis boogeyman comment during the first film was because I was making light of the situation," Echols says in Paradise Lost 2: Revelations. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. Love Arkansas? This is possible by associating the 9.4 million reported crimes in the U.S, including over 2 million geocoded point locations. He was 62. When the bodies of three 8-year-old boys Steve "Stevie" Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore were found in a West Memphis, Arkansas, drainage ditch in 1993, investigators discovered they had sustained multiple, brutal injuries. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. So youll get these different puncture marks, and its a mixture of punctures and scratches and so forth, she said. Morrilton. Here is how to watch a stream of 'The West Memphis Three: An ID Murder Mystery' online if you don't have cable. Mar 29, 2013, 01:55 PM EDT. One street may look friendly, safe, and kempt, and the next street, barely a stones throw away, will be ridden with criminals, dingy neighborhoods, and sketchy people. You are advised to park your car in a safe area with better security and to keep your pricey belongings safely tucked away when in Whitehaven. There is noticeable crime, and there are times I don't feel safe. According to the website OnlyInYourState.com, FBI stats indicate West Memphis, Arkansas is the fifth most. 8,376,755. Extremely safe. Those with any information on any ongoing investigations in the Westwood area are asked to call Crime Stoppers, (901) 528-CASH. Tourists are as much a risk as the locals because criminals will target vulnerable people. This town has the gorgeous Petit Jean State Park and many vintage boutiques as well as excellent fishing. To remain safe, stay alert and watch your belongings while paying attention to whos around you. The most historic towns in Arkansas include: Learn more about the most historic towns in Arkansas. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To learn more about the injuries, Ruff met with forensic pathologist Dr. Rebecca Hsu, who examined the autopsy reports and crime scene photographs, and noted that the injuries appeared to be a mixture of ante-mortem and post-mortem. It'll be sort of like I'm the West Memphis boogeyman. Its great for outdoor activities. Murfreesboro. 7,043,501 and 7,680,859. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. Its no surprise to park your car at a particular point you consider safe only to come back to find a car that has been broken into or, worse, an empty parking space. However, there are a few safe neighborhoods where you can find secure accommodation, but many are super expensive. West Memphis is in the 6th percentile for safety, meaning 94% of cities are safer and 6% of cities are more dangerous. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Note: Because the rates of crime are so low in America, we use "per . 45.32.87.30 The first thing people might be inclined to say is could this be some sort of torture, some kind of ritualistic thing? Dr. Hsu said. Echols is an author and mystic living New York with his wife, architect Lorri Davis. Misskelley told Hutcheson that he really didn't know much about Echols other than that he was "a weird person." To test the likelihood of animal predation, Ruff lowered chicken carcasses into the bayou where the boys bodies were found. However, just as you would when traveling anywhere else, take precautions when youre touring the Natural State and ask the locals about the not-so-scenic places and where not to go if you want to keep a feeling of safety about you. (Photo courtesy of Oxygen) 'REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE' STAR SAL MINEO WAS 'ON A GOOD ROAD' BEFORE HORRIFIC MURDER, AUTHOR SAYS.