“I’m just tired, this has been going on for over 18 years, and it’s been an absolute living hell,” said Damien Echols. (CNN Wire Staff) Damien Echols is one of the three men that were known under the name ‘West Memphis Three.’ Damien Echols, including Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley were convicted of the crimes on behalf of three eight-year-old boys being murdered in 1993. Two of the men were sentenced to life and the last man sentenced to death, but because of famous people, media, and stereotypes they were able to be freed from prison eighteen years later. The West Memphis Three trial outcome was greatly affected by famous people and media, which led to the questioning of how stereotypes are used in court cases, which had a lasting effect …show more content…
People like Johnny Depp, Eddie Vedder, Peter Jackson, and Natalie Maines supported the three men and tried to rally up supporters. Normally, famous individuals stayed behind the scenes and didn’t worry about trials such as the West Memphis Three. Many might have followed trials and made sure they knew the outcome but things changed for the West Memphis Three. Those famous people mentioned before have spent several years before the release of the three advocating for their release. Not only did they advocate for their release, but as well as donated money to help make their release more of a reality. Famous people had a big impact of the men getting out of prison. This shows that famous people are able to do something when it comes to things like this. Some of the parents, like Steve Branch, father of Stevie Branch stated that “Now you can get some movie stars and a little bit of money behind you, and you can walk free for killing somebody,” making him an individual who did not agree with the fact that the men who were charged with his son’s murder were getting out of prison. …show more content…
During the trial, the publicity in West Memphis was too extensive that the trial for Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin had to be moved to the town of Jonesboro. (Times) This showed that the media can affect the minds of others to an extent that the trial had to be moved because some people would become bias. Benefit concerts were held, books were written, and a documentary called “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills,” was released after their convictions which ended up bringing national attention to The West Memphis Three. (Times) From myths, propaganda, and rumors being spread since the three men were jailed in 1994 it made people forget why the men were convicted in the first place, and that was all because of the media. In today’s society, the media plays a big role in court cases whether books are written or shows and movies are