I Was Almost Executed For A Crime I Didn’t Commit: West Memphis Three

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BuzzFeed Unsolved Network

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День тому

Aria Inthavong ( / ariainthavong ) speaks with Damien Echols (www.damienechols.com/), who spent eighteen years on death row after being wrongfully convicted of the murders of three children as part of the "West Memphis Three."
SPECIAL THANKS to DAMIEN ECHOLS & LORRI DAVIS
www.damienechols.com/
/ damienechols
/ damienechols
/ damienechols
Damien's latest book, "Angels and Archangels: A Magician's Guide," is now available for purchase:
www.amazon.com/Angels-Archang...
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Welcome to the BuzzFeed Unsolved Network! This channel is your one-stop destination for all things mystery, conspiracy, supernatural, true crime, and everything in between. Subscribe here: bit.ly/2zuaR06.
STILLS
Texas death chamber in Huntsville
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Death Chamber at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility
Mike Simons/Getty Images
California State Prisons Face Overcrowding Issues
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Two male detainees read law books at the...
PAUL J. RICHARDS/Getty Images
Inspectorate Issue Report On HMP Norwich
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Supreme Court To Rule On California's Overcrowded Prisons
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Men's County Jail Holds Christmas Mass For Inmates In Los Angeles
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Old Prison Solitary Confinement Cell Block
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Demonstration. Protesting crowd with signs.
photosmash/Getty Images
EXTERNAL CREDITS
Damien Echols
damienechols.com/

КОМЕНТАРІ: 1 400
@Aria.Inthavong
@Aria.Inthavong 3 роки тому
Damien was a very kind and gracious interviewee, and if it weren’t for time, I wish I could’ve kept more of his fascinating insights. Hopefully some of you enjoy hearing from him! I’d also love to speak with more true crime figures, so please let me know if there’s anyone in particular that you’d want to see an interview with!
@lhalison8096
@lhalison8096 3 роки тому
I can't wait to see more of your work Aria! This interview was amazing. If you can speak to other true crime figures, maybe like survivors or even criminals that are guilty, it would be great. Either way, proud of your work!
@sherlinkirthana4787
@sherlinkirthana4787 3 роки тому
Would totally love that!
@PrestigePhoenix
@PrestigePhoenix 3 роки тому
Wagwan lmao
@shannonsullivan4858
@shannonsullivan4858 3 роки тому
It would be interesting to see you interview Chris Watts. Well done. I enjoy listening to your interviews.
@miranda266
@miranda266 3 роки тому
Sarah Turney! Just yesterday her father was arrested for the murder of her sister in 2001. Sarah has a whole podcast about her sister, Alyssa Turney, and the case.
@AlwaysKDawg
@AlwaysKDawg 3 роки тому
People say there was no justice for the kids and that's true, but there will never be justice for these 3 men who had their lives robbed for political reasons. This case is just sad and frustrating over all. The justice system sucks.
@lisaross4216
@lisaross4216 3 роки тому
Instead punishing the killers of 3 victims they just added 3 more to the list.
@damnmuggle
@damnmuggle 3 роки тому
John Marksman that proves nothing you weirdo
@anthonyhutchins2300
@anthonyhutchins2300 3 роки тому
They are guilty... How about you actually look into the case as a whole and not just look at the biased info.
@pinklibrary
@pinklibrary 3 роки тому
@@anthonyhutchins2300 what in the case though? last time i checked there were two (2) pieces of evidence in the ENTIRE case, and both of those were tied to other men and not the kids that were arrested.
@mikal0457
@mikal0457 3 роки тому
they could be guilty for all we know
@aidank.3588
@aidank.3588 3 роки тому
It's really admirable how he managed to turn his life around despite his terrible situation, most people would end up bitter and waste away.
@knogne5073
@knogne5073 3 роки тому
I know for sure I’d have gone insane. This man is so mentally strong. I can’t help but think of the people who are in prison, who have a mind like me. Who don’t have the mental fortitude to come out in one piece.
@DynamiteProd
@DynamiteProd 3 роки тому
Not really. Most guys that get out after being wrongfully accused in interviews seem to be level headed and not jaded.
@SherioCheers
@SherioCheers 3 роки тому
I know I would. I don't have the mental fortitude not to immediately expect them to pay me back for the 15 years they took... I certainly would end up back in prison.
@personalcheeses8073
@personalcheeses8073 3 роки тому
aiDan K. He didn’t need to turn his life around. He just needed to return to the life that was stolen from him
@aidank.3588
@aidank.3588 3 роки тому
@@personalcheeses8073 I didn't mean that he did something wrong, sorry if it came off that way.
@alphaferretz5555
@alphaferretz5555 3 роки тому
I had the same english teacher for 3 years in Highschool (10-12) and every year he covered this story. I am from Arkansas, and he almost lost his job every year for teaching us this story. Other teachers always complained about how loud his classes were during the month we talked about it, because it woukd cause such a heated debate every single day, every single period. Students would talk about nothing else. And this was during 2017-2019. And happened years before and even last year. This story needs to be told. Expecially with how the government is right now.
@RK-zf4jw
@RK-zf4jw 3 роки тому
Wow, sounds like a cool and brave teacher that i would love to have had!
@joesickler5888
@joesickler5888 3 роки тому
wsg man lol
@joelpark3075
@joelpark3075 3 роки тому
talking about debates, consider checking @daily_discourse on insta ! Yall wont regret it
@tomscalzo5212
@tomscalzo5212 3 роки тому
Yeah im fucken ripe sure that happened
@Gr95dc
@Gr95dc 3 роки тому
@wsg man actual innocent people? Are you saying he is guilty? Wanna back that statement?
@aaryapatel9810
@aaryapatel9810 3 роки тому
This man should sue the government for at least 10 million
@Contributron
@Contributron 3 роки тому
I would hope whatever settlement he got out of it is enough to last him his whole life. They put this man through hell for nothing.
@followtheowl1
@followtheowl1 3 роки тому
@@Contributron Sadly they all had to take a Alford plea to get out of jail which means technically in the eyes of the law they admitted they did something wrong so they cannot sue. They basically only got their freedom. It's messed up but it's the only way they could get out of jail. Eddie Vedder really helped Damien out while he was in jail and after which was lucky
@dawnwalks4797
@dawnwalks4797 3 роки тому
@CHIGGA better some than nothing
@damienspencer2088
@damienspencer2088 3 роки тому
I think he wants actual exoneration rather than money.
@sammcd4
@sammcd4 3 роки тому
olivia cipriano no thats not correct. An _Alford_ plea is a plea in which the defendant maintains their innocence but admits that the evidence would most likely result in a guilty verdict
@katac7286
@katac7286 3 роки тому
this case was BONKERS, i admire damien’s drive to keep sharing his story after experiencing so much trauma 😭
@haleym3725
@haleym3725 3 роки тому
He’s so smart
@tjm8128
@tjm8128 3 роки тому
20 years of trauma is unbelievable. He must be A very strong person. I don't think I could be that strong
@sobasicreviews3097
@sobasicreviews3097 3 роки тому
@@AxxLAfriku stfu noob
@niccolom4556
@niccolom4556 3 роки тому
Are you kidding me. Read the facts. They did it: www.westmemphisthreefacts.com
@envyrswie584
@envyrswie584 3 роки тому
@@AxxLAfriku no ur not lmao
@AstonishingRed
@AstonishingRed 3 роки тому
Hearing Damien’s belief in the justice system just disintegrate because of his experience is heartbreaking. And it reflects how many have felt in the past, and still feel today.
@jailmail1
@jailmail1 3 роки тому
It's the only sane response. Nobody should have faith in our legal system.
@AstonishingRed
@AstonishingRed 3 роки тому
@@jailmail1 Well every individual person SHOULD have faith in our legal system, but history has shown that we simply CAN'T trust in it.
@aliway4136
@aliway4136 3 роки тому
Small town justice systems are the worst.
@aliway4136
@aliway4136 3 роки тому
@Yanija C it happens to every race. This story should prove that to you!! No one is more special because of their skin color. It goes both ways!
@aliway4136
@aliway4136 3 роки тому
@Yanija C why did you feel the need to turn it into a race issue?? Seriously. How would you react if I went on a video about a black person wrongly convicted and brought up that it happens to whites too?? Its beyond rude. You are implying that Damians struggle means less because hes white!
@Azatosu
@Azatosu 3 роки тому
Damn, and I feel bad when my parents shout at me for my siblings' mistakes.
@MrPotato-
@MrPotato- 3 роки тому
Midnight - Vursacore Yes this really puts it into perspective for me
@hafsaadam2178
@hafsaadam2178 3 роки тому
😭😭😭😭 right
@Laliyahish
@Laliyahish 3 роки тому
His story is horrific but it's also important to remember that it isn't just an outlier, innocent people are sentenced to death regularly by the "justice" system
@resourcedragon
@resourcedragon 3 роки тому
And that's assuming they don't get summarily executed while being arrested...
@Laliyahish
@Laliyahish 3 роки тому
@@resourcedragon 100%
@Up10tionslay
@Up10tionslay 3 роки тому
It feels like the system just wants to get some cases over with, without actually trying to find the right person to punish. I've heard about so many cases where there has been absolutely nothing linking a person to the crime, but no one seemed to care or try to find the actual criminal... Its so frustrating and heartbreaking.
@taigalilly
@taigalilly 3 роки тому
And he mentioned that several times in the video, rightly so
@st.francisanddr.pepper1304
@st.francisanddr.pepper1304 3 роки тому
I don't think "regularly" is correct. That makes it sound like innocent people are sentenced to death almost as much as the guilty. This case was an outlier.
@katherineperakis8427
@katherineperakis8427 3 роки тому
My family became very close with Damien a few years ago when he lived close to us and his story touched all of us so much. He was one of the most incredible, gentle, and genuine people I've ever met in my life. He always had such a gentle and calm energy about him and despite what he went through radiated positivity no matter what. We lost touch when he moved but his story and his energy have stayed with us years later.
@personalcheeses8073
@personalcheeses8073 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel I think you need to take those stories with a pinch of salt.
@personalcheeses8073
@personalcheeses8073 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel Sworn Affidavits do not take into account a person’s own agenda or pressures put on people by the police. Neither does it take into account deals made, mistaken identities, fabrications, simple inaccuracies or Urban Legends. There are 20,000 innocent people incarcerated in American prisons many of them in there because of such sworn affidavits. So if you think it’s really that simple I would encourage you to think again.
@Iceis_Phoenix
@Iceis_Phoenix 3 роки тому
@@BeatriceFlowers BRAINWASHED much?
@briannawerket9222
@briannawerket9222 3 роки тому
Dude, you are all over this video comments section arguing against the West Memphis 3. We get it. You don’t like them. But forgive me if I think some random hateful troll on the internet isn’t the most reliable source of information.
@janicescott7338
@janicescott7338 Рік тому
Beautifully said. I believe every word.
@KokoKoture
@KokoKoture 3 роки тому
Crazy that how he feels is what we grow up KNOWING. That the justice system isn't fair. They'll do whatever is in their best interest a lot of the time.
@koltonnanninga577
@koltonnanninga577 3 роки тому
Same!!
@gommyokoro4977
@gommyokoro4977 3 роки тому
especially for minorities and people of color!!
@jonathanblackmore822
@jonathanblackmore822 3 роки тому
“If you live in the past your going to be perpetually depressed, and if you live in the future your always going to live with anxiety. The only way your ever going to know peace is by living in the present moment.”
@Allison_Leigh
@Allison_Leigh 3 роки тому
That clip of him when he says people mentioned he looked calm, he looks so panicked and in his head is spinning like crazy. There's an obvious difference to being calm I think.
@MysteryAvalanche
@MysteryAvalanche 3 роки тому
The "satanic panic" that fueled this case is crazy. 20 years later, everyone and their mother is wearing black clothing with skulls, has tattoos and piercings. Now it's trendy to look "alternative," yet that's partially what destroyed these young men's lives.
@centrifugalmuse
@centrifugalmuse 3 роки тому
Agreed! I was a teen in the 90s and fully remember satanic panic!
@MysteryAvalanche
@MysteryAvalanche 3 роки тому
Thanks for all the love! We just started making our own videos if anyone wants to stop by 😊
@tongzhi793
@tongzhi793 3 роки тому
@Trails & Travel satanists don't do this...
@xCindyLouWhox
@xCindyLouWhox 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel That awkward moment when you don’t even understand satanism... (Satanists don’t even believe in Satan as a figure.)
@tongzhi793
@tongzhi793 3 роки тому
@@xCindyLouWhox yes exactly
@zoevalenzuela-flores5145
@zoevalenzuela-flores5145 3 роки тому
I'm glad he's out now but, his story is so heartbreaking
@heywaitno7660
@heywaitno7660 3 роки тому
@Liberal Decay where’s the proof he did it?
@beagruy2386
@beagruy2386 3 роки тому
@@heywaitno7660 he didn’t
@heywaitno7660
@heywaitno7660 3 роки тому
@@beagruy2386 i responded to the person who said he did do it, guess they deleted their comment.
@cademancaden
@cademancaden 3 роки тому
It's so effed up. That stepfather has still never been charged either.
@StereoStrings
@StereoStrings 3 роки тому
Keeping in PG 13 huh
@stephaniebeffanie8956
@stephaniebeffanie8956 3 роки тому
@Trails & Travel Source?
@stephaniebeffanie8956
@stephaniebeffanie8956 3 роки тому
@Trails & Travel Court documents aside, there's a reason why polygraphs can't be used in criminal trials. They aren't entirely reliable. Also, Jessie Miskelly is widely believed to be mentally incompetent. People with those kind of mental faculties often lie and confess to things they didn't do. And the knots could have been done by any group of people. There was no DNA linking it to the WM3. Bottom line, you can't put someone to death without actual evidence. Everything they had was circumstantial.
@theGoldjey
@theGoldjey 3 роки тому
@@stephaniebeffanie8956 he has an IQ of 78 that is so low poor guy :( he probably started believing what they were feeding him
@ashleybissett6405
@ashleybissett6405 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel are you fr rn.? They don’t let people out for MURDER after being sentenced unless they were wrongfully convicted. They said at the beginning of the video there was dna to prove their INNOCENCE and that’s why they were let out. I can’t believe you’re saying they were rightfully convicted when they literally didn’t do it..? Wtaf
@centrifugalmuse
@centrifugalmuse 3 роки тому
I have immense respect for Damien. I remember being a teen in the 90s, and goths were seen as Satanic. He was a young victim of a modern witch hunt. He’s taken his power back now, and I’m so glad about that.
@hugannoy4751
@hugannoy4751 3 роки тому
Im from germany and never heard about this case. American justice system sucks
@laurentucker5444
@laurentucker5444 3 роки тому
hug annoy if you want to read more about it there is a book called “Devil’s Knot”!
@katie5920
@katie5920 3 роки тому
No place is perfect, i've heard of murderers who 100% committed the crimes and in some places they get away with barely any time.
@ragnarklok2422
@ragnarklok2422 3 роки тому
Go watch paradise lost! I believe it's a 3 part show on this entire thing!
@Mia-hz7wu
@Mia-hz7wu 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel can you explain how he was rightfully convicted? & if it was rightfully, why is he released now.
@hugannoy4751
@hugannoy4751 3 роки тому
@@kuruptlive8874 thanks. I will
@koltonnanninga577
@koltonnanninga577 3 роки тому
Why was the stepfather never charged? Because people are so quick to judge. Great example of how Court of public opinon can spill into the actual justice system
@ct5625
@ct5625 3 роки тому
It wasn't just the court of public opinion in this case, there was a lot of police corruption, "Christian" fanaticism (on the scale of the Witch Trials) and general political malfeasance which led to a criminally unjust result for all three of these young men. I feel that's why Mr. Echols wants to make clear that this wasn't a rare case, this kind of corruption of the justice system is pandemic, especially in the most corrupt states, which (I'm sorry to say) are generally southern and claim to be "Christian". There is a very real culture of corruption in several states and it's often buried under extremist notions of Christian faith - just look at the mega churches and their leaders living in mansions and flying private jets.
@koltonnanninga577
@koltonnanninga577 3 роки тому
@@ct5625 oh I agree. It's just sad.
@nonenone3257
@nonenone3257 3 роки тому
People in W Memphis just wanted it to go away. Outside of Eastern AR the general opinion was that nobody would ever know who really did it.
@siryarianthefirst3360
@siryarianthefirst3360 3 роки тому
C Thomas may I also add that this makes all Christians look bad? It adds to the false Christian stereotype which it’s just sad
@tjm8128
@tjm8128 3 роки тому
@SirYarianTheFirst I'm not a Christian but I agree with you. It's the sanctimonious Tippa Gore type assholes who are making things worse. Most Christians I've come across are good people.
@JulesM434
@JulesM434 3 роки тому
This is an example of how flawed and systematic the justice system is
@heywaitno7660
@heywaitno7660 3 роки тому
@wsg man What evidence?
@dickvan503
@dickvan503 11 місяців тому
It's 2 example of different situations. it's not a video that paints a picture of a systematic issues.
@Thepc425
@Thepc425 3 роки тому
The earphones framing his beard is what I needed to see today
@joshuaarmijo3565
@joshuaarmijo3565 3 роки тому
They don't rehabilitate... That's why there's SO MANY people who reoffend... They want to punish so bad that they dont try to fix the problem... 9:17 Wow he said same thing after I wrote this... Because its true...
@kitkatfrosty
@kitkatfrosty 3 роки тому
Yup, the justice system needs to meet a number of needs with conflicting interests - punishment, retribution for victims, safety for the community, and rehabilitation - however more emphasis is placed on some of those needs than others.
@kaiastorvik7414
@kaiastorvik7414 3 роки тому
The justice system in Norway focuses on rehabilitation, and thus the rate of reoffenders is at about 5% compared to 65% in the US. All our prisons are owned by the state, versus in the US about 8,4% of prisoners (more than 133,000 people) are housed in private prisons that capitalize on mass incarceration. The US justice systems focus is on capital. To me that is utterly insane.
@hugoschmeisser2484
@hugoschmeisser2484 3 роки тому
the reason why the Justice system fails in the usa is because prisons are big business. they are zero incentive to rehabilitate. once you enter prison you are a commodity here. repeat business is the only way they stay in business. its why we had the "war on drugs" and the 3 strikes your out systems. if you are arrested and return to prison 3 times. they get far more money for you then if you are convicted for life once. governments & politicians get public tax money, court fees, attorney fees and bail money each time. that's why I belive modern day law enforcement is basically shake down men for the government.
@mlg8605
@mlg8605 3 роки тому
“Tell him this video is cool, Johnny!” “Tell him yourself.” “This video is cool!”
@fxckyouim2739
@fxckyouim2739 3 роки тому
iS tHaT A mOthEr- *killer queen has already touched this reply*
@mlg8605
@mlg8605 3 роки тому
fxck you im 2 OH N- *explosion*
@koltonnanninga577
@koltonnanninga577 3 роки тому
@@fxckyouim2739 what huh
@milana69420
@milana69420 3 роки тому
IT HAS NO WEAKNESS
@missundies
@missundies 3 роки тому
Solitary confinement is PURE TORTURE, you must be a special kind of person ta make it through that and still be a good person, with happy thoughts. All the good vibes to you Damien! ♡
@fastlifebmx9292
@fastlifebmx9292 3 роки тому
Due to covid, atleast for the JDC i went to, we do 23 and 1 for 16 days (quarantine) I couldnt imagine it for longer
@artofvoice
@artofvoice 3 роки тому
This is so heartbreaking and terrifying. I can't believe he's alive and has his head together after everything he's been through.
@missundies
@missundies 3 роки тому
Yeah, solitary confinement is pure torture. Awful.
@marchforth3515
@marchforth3515 3 роки тому
The death penalty (and the current justice system itself) is revenge, not justice
@katie5920
@katie5920 3 роки тому
Justice is fair behavior or treatment and if you ask me, murderers being killed is what's fair. I just wish they'd take more time to actually find the guilty person rather than just try and get anyone, that's what needs to change.
@actanonverba3041
@actanonverba3041 3 роки тому
Katie an eye for an eye and the world goes blind
@anonymousperson3023
@anonymousperson3023 3 роки тому
@@katie5920 to respond to the last sentence, that's ture but it isn't helped by the public and media being so quick to judge everything.People are so quick to hop on ships and that messes with the investigators minds
@wiswc
@wiswc 3 роки тому
I disagree. But the justice system definitely has a lot of problems
@kcallamajaji
@kcallamajaji 3 роки тому
@@katie5920 Emotionally I agree with you. Logically I have to disagree, because to me, if even 1 innocent person is murdered by the state then that is 1 too many, and we, as a country, have murdered SO many innocent people. There will never be a 100% fool-proof way to prove someone is guilty. Even confessions can't be trusted. I will never support the death penalty.
@tamikens
@tamikens 3 роки тому
It's interesting that despite my interest in true crime and my mother's career in law enforcement that I never heard of this case. Especially considering that Damien and I share the same last name. His story reminds me of the very cynical sentiment that my mother always says when I tell her the Justice System needs reform, "The Justice System isn't broken, it's working exactly as they intended." It is an absolute miscarriage of justice in every sense of the word when innocent people are locked up and killed by the state for a crime they clearly didn't commit, while other more heinous, but wealthy criminals walk free and it happens every day unfortunately.
@secretaryholloway
@secretaryholloway 3 роки тому
Hope you watch all the Paradise Lost films!!
@nadjaannabel1
@nadjaannabel1 3 роки тому
The worst part is three young boys lost their lives and the killer got away with it.
@justlikebck5162
@justlikebck5162 3 роки тому
Nope they killed them sorry
@sabrinaa3758
@sabrinaa3758 3 роки тому
@@justlikebck5162 DNA evidence says no
@beagruy2386
@beagruy2386 3 роки тому
@@justlikebck5162 source?
@justlikebck5162
@justlikebck5162 3 роки тому
@@beagruy2386 ukposts.info/have/v-deo/jn90g5muZ6yDu5s.html
@justlikebck5162
@justlikebck5162 3 роки тому
@@beagruy2386 they protected them an the town knows it that’s why it’s relevant
@Rose-hh7mk
@Rose-hh7mk 3 роки тому
I'll never understand the people who believe that abortion is murder, but capital punishment isn't.
@MJW238
@MJW238 3 роки тому
Because they believe the foetus is not guilty of any crimes?
@laurabaker7258
@laurabaker7258 3 роки тому
Murder is murder. Dont matter if its a BABY, child , young adult or a adult.
@lupitasmith9944
@lupitasmith9944 3 роки тому
What crime can a fetus possibly commit? Being conceived by a selfish idiot? That's the fetus's fault?
@lupitasmith9944
@lupitasmith9944 3 роки тому
What crime can a fetus possibly commit? Being conceived by a selfish idiot? That's the fetus's fault?
@LS-qt9bo
@LS-qt9bo 3 роки тому
100% of abortions the baby was innocent 96% of the time the victim of a death sentance is guilty
@XenonFae
@XenonFae 3 роки тому
I was fortunate enough to briefly meet Damien back in 2012 during his book tour for ‘Life After Death.’ This was about a year after he was released from prison, and you could tell he was still in the midst of struggling to adjust to life as a free man. However, as he demonstrates in this interview as well, the amount of strength and passion he possesses is astounding and inspiring. Everyone who saw him speak and meet him left feeling both enraged at the injustice he faced, but also inspired to go forward and advocate to stop similar injustice.
@leonmitchell454
@leonmitchell454 3 роки тому
Damian echols is such a special man, his spiritual journey is so incredible.
@anthonyhutchins2300
@anthonyhutchins2300 3 роки тому
He's a murderer...
@ramankaur3141
@ramankaur3141 3 роки тому
@@anthonyhutchins2300 he didn't murder anyone, read the title of the video
@amandastuckey9299
@amandastuckey9299 3 роки тому
@@anthonyhutchins2300 he's not tho?
@giggermont5413
@giggermont5413 3 роки тому
@@ramankaur3141 right, because of course they wouldn't lie or anything.
@leonmitchell454
@leonmitchell454 3 роки тому
@@anthonyhutchins2300 he didn't murder anyone, anyone who looks into the case for more than 5 minutes can tell that. Even the cops involved have said he's innocent. Please look into it rather than critique an innocent man.
@lhalison8096
@lhalison8096 3 роки тому
i clicked so fast and Im so happy you did this Im really proud of the route you're taking as a creator Aria
@Aria.Inthavong
@Aria.Inthavong 3 роки тому
Thanks Leyla!! 🙏🏼
@ladyalcott
@ladyalcott 3 роки тому
This is such a terrible and heartbreaking story. He literally lost his youth and childhood; he can never get those years back.
@alienspeaking3938
@alienspeaking3938 3 роки тому
Trails & Travel wait so he did kill them ?
@ALittleToTheLeft42
@ALittleToTheLeft42 3 роки тому
@@alienspeaking3938 No
@SlimDonni
@SlimDonni 3 роки тому
Damien was guilty. Your only getting one side. You need to do more digging, before you make your mind up.
@AverytheCubanAmerican
@AverytheCubanAmerican 3 роки тому
This is not the vid to ask about Ryan and Shane. If you want to see them, go watch Watcher. They just posted Puppet History. With that aside, it's a unique opportunity you were able to interview him. Our system certainly has flaws
@lemon3060
@lemon3060 3 роки тому
THIS.
@rabbitribbit8710
@rabbitribbit8710 3 роки тому
I dont see anyone asking for them though? Or maybe they're deep down the comments idk
@reneaiko
@reneaiko 3 роки тому
He is so well spoken and admirable.
@jackierosas9593
@jackierosas9593 3 роки тому
I did a paper on metal music and the West Memphis Three for my Politics and Music class. This entire case is a perfect example of bias, fear mongering, and just plain ole bad investigating. I recommend watching the Geraldo Rivera Exposing Satanism documentary which was released in the late 80s, just to see some of the historical context for the time. It definitely helped further the US public’s fear of metal music and it’s audience despite it being a load of crap. It’s almost laughable watching it today, but people still buy it. Anything about the West Memphis Three interests me and it’s nice to see an updated interview with Echols.
@anthonyhutchins2300
@anthonyhutchins2300 3 роки тому
Crap... This has nothing to do with them liking metal music and everything to do with the fact that this dude was a freak. He's guilty... Just look at all the evidence and not just the documentaries that are made in defense of them
@lizwhite5500
@lizwhite5500 3 роки тому
Yup... "Satanic Panic" was especially prevalent during this time. It's really interesting to see that even now, some people really think they know what true Satanism is without educating themselves and then voice their conclusion that it's the same as worshipping the Devil. Ridiculous.
@annabiotic1078
@annabiotic1078 3 роки тому
OsakaRose Exactly! All this occurred during the Satanic Panic era. They scapegoated these young men when really the real culprit is most likely some psycho who claims to be a God fearing Christian. 🙄
@annabiotic1078
@annabiotic1078 3 роки тому
Liz Nova I know a satanist. She told me that she always laughs when people think they sacrifice animals and humans. She’s like yeah, we don’t do that. We have fun, sex and sometimes drugs. 😂. Satanist are also very pro LGBTQ which is more than I can say for Christians.
@GeneralBulldog54
@GeneralBulldog54 3 роки тому
It’s always the same thing. If they can’t go after Jazz they’ll go after Rock n’ Roll, if they can’t go after that they’ll go after Disco, if they can’t go after that they’ll Metal and/or Hip Hop. It’s always the same thing with these holier than thou pearl clutchers, if something breaks their view of moral superiority they’ll find something to be a target of their misplaced anger at times to deadly lengths.
@jor7441
@jor7441 3 роки тому
wow so happy you covered this case, one of the most interesting ones in my opinion. completely heartbreaking for the boys killed and the boys convicted.
@Laliyahish
@Laliyahish 3 роки тому
So eloquently spoken and such a relevant discussion on the justice system as a political system and not a moral system
@QueenofAnon
@QueenofAnon 3 роки тому
if you guys are interested in this case there’s a series of documentaries called “paradise lost” that are absolutely fantastic! this case is so sad :( in the height of the “satanic panic” those poor little boys didn’t get justice and these teenagers were in prison for so much of their lives. thank you for the wonderful interview! it’s good to see that he’s rehabilitating as well as he can be :)
@josecarbajal5710
@josecarbajal5710 3 роки тому
Theres also the book Devil's Knot.
@fluffandbutts7955
@fluffandbutts7955 3 роки тому
@@josecarbajal5710 and the movie devil's knot!
@lakotamcglawn5616
@lakotamcglawn5616 3 роки тому
West of Memphis is another good one
@SHA-ku9st
@SHA-ku9st 3 роки тому
where can I watch this?
@erinraecowin
@erinraecowin 3 роки тому
There's also a podcast called Satanic Panic.
@that-weirdogirl
@that-weirdogirl 2 роки тому
Not only did these three men go through injustice in the judicial system, those three little boys never got the justice they deserved. And it still frustrates me to this day that this case ended this way. Not only were these three men not acquitted, not only does the state of Arkansas face zero consequences of their actions, not only were any of the victims' families or the families of the convicted betrayed by the whole system - the words "mercy" and "justice" are in the great seal of Arkansas, and there was neither of those in the way this entire case was handled by officials.
@anthropomorphisis
@anthropomorphisis 3 роки тому
Aria single handedly keeping this channel alive. This was fascinating.
@LizBlair
@LizBlair Рік тому
What an interesting man. I wanted to hear his story after learning that he was an inspiration for the Eddie Munson character on Stranger Things.
@Sam-on5jf
@Sam-on5jf 3 роки тому
both puppet history AND BUN upload today???? truly blessed....
@caseyyyjones
@caseyyyjones 3 роки тому
We are!!
@sueperakis4509
@sueperakis4509 3 роки тому
I met Damien for a brief time when he lived in Salem MA. He had published his book “Life After Death” which I loved and read several times. Damien is one of the kindest, humble human beings I have been privileged to meet. God bless Damien and Lori!
@Sky2Mina
@Sky2Mina 3 роки тому
10 years in solitary confinement? omfg, that is torture. wow. he survived the worst. in a so called developed country.
@victoriagee1059
@victoriagee1059 3 роки тому
The insightfulness of Damien makes this one of my favorite videos on the internet. Mastering trauma is one of the most powerful things a person can do.
@madison1032
@madison1032 3 роки тому
Never clicked so fast. I learned about this case in high school
@bigpimping15
@bigpimping15 3 роки тому
Right!
@rubylou3620
@rubylou3620 3 роки тому
Bro this is why I don’t agree with the death penalty because anything could go wrong they could be killing someone innocent so why risk it I watched a movie called the life of David Gale that really summed stuff up for me
@Zanbutt
@Zanbutt 3 роки тому
Totally agreed. The government shouldn't have the power to execute its citizens for any reason, in my opinion.
@Skyler_Momoko
@Skyler_Momoko 3 роки тому
Agreed. I'd only support the Death Penalty if it was someone who we 10000% knew was guilty (eg. a mass shooter).
@rubylou3620
@rubylou3620 3 роки тому
@@Skyler_Momoko I don’t even agree with that the death penalty to me is like revenge I don’t think anyone should be murdered even if they were a mass shooter let them stay in prison forever
@stratosphere94
@stratosphere94 3 роки тому
I clicked SO FAST. This is one of the most interesting and insane cases I’ve ever read about (I’m such a fan of Damien honestly.) All 3 of those guys were done so dirty.
@carolvevle8190
@carolvevle8190 3 роки тому
I'm so sorry for all you been through. The thought of all this just leaves me losing trust & hating people except those who needs help or those who help others. I can only watch so many of these types of videos, because this is nothing but demonic narcissist. I rolled up my sleeves & I'm in this fight. I personally know some victims who were either 302ed or put in prison. The very leasted for called delisional & discounted & laughed at. We CAN NOT let these nightmarish people continue on the path of destroying other people's life & get away with it. All you have been through, you are an inspiration. AMAZING!! YOU ROCK!!
@michikip45
@michikip45 3 роки тому
Always love to hear this man talk, he’s been through so much yet tries so hard now to teach people and help people avoid the pains he went through. His insights are always eye opening in some way
@MarcyTrivette
@MarcyTrivette 3 роки тому
I'm so glad that he had Lorri in his life to help him through this. I can't imagine going through what he went through on death row. So glad these men are finally free and can live their lives!
@Critter-te7dp
@Critter-te7dp 3 роки тому
there is no such thing as a “justice system” serves no justice., our whole country is based on politics and it’s so sad
@moonchild971
@moonchild971 3 роки тому
This is the ONLY good buzzfeed Channel
@NinaMalfoy1791
@NinaMalfoy1791 3 роки тому
my sociology teacher had the class watch the documentary in my senior year and it left a very deep and profound impression on me that lasts to this day. Glad to see Damien doing well 💕
@FantasticaB
@FantasticaB 3 роки тому
Really great interview, thanks for doing this one Aria. What happened to these 3 men is very sad, but I’m glad he came out okay on the other side. Prison sounds terrifying and I’m sure it breaks a lot of people. Hopefully the real murderer/s will one day be found so the families get real closure. ♥️
@Vickyy_
@Vickyy_ 3 роки тому
I remember when I was about 15-16 years old, I saw Paradise Lost with my dad. After that I started to search more on this case. I had a task for school and I broke all the rules for this task cuz I wanted to write about this case. Eventually I got an A on my task and my teacher asked me every couple of months if there was new news about this case. To this day, I try to educate everyone I know about this case and wrongful executions.
@KaurAmy
@KaurAmy 3 роки тому
This case is something i always tell people with a heavy heart. How, many times innocent people suffer.
@livelaughmusic513
@livelaughmusic513 3 роки тому
Fascinating interview, I'm glad Damien is doing well now :) Love this kind of content!
@sarahhambridge7862
@sarahhambridge7862 3 роки тому
This was incredible to watch! Thanks for this. What a powerful story.
@valerievasiliou4013
@valerievasiliou4013 2 роки тому
I missed this interview 8 months ago but I do have a few of your books which changed my own life. You have probably touched more lives than you realize. Our judicial system is broken.
@ujmm
@ujmm 2 роки тому
The judicial system might be broken, but it's incredibly likely they got it right in this case in 1994. Anyone that has bothered to go through the totality of the evidence, in this case, thinks they did it.
@kittynanno1991
@kittynanno1991 3 роки тому
the thing about being a person who's interested in true crime is that we see all these stories that either has bad endings or good endings but nonetheless it ends immediately or if you follow a case, it may take a toll on you but you can rest and let your life go on. but these people who actually belongs to the story, the people who experiences these stories - it is their story, it is their struggle and the damage is 100x. it's such a devastating realization on how much these struggles is actually all some of these people experience while the story goes on.
@tinkerspell4850
@tinkerspell4850 3 роки тому
thank you so much for having him on! I can't believe he isn't a broken bone of a human, crying the in corner. He is out there doing good works.
@queertyrant7179
@queertyrant7179 3 роки тому
I realize this is kind of old, but Damien was “interviewed” on the midnight gospel! He talks about his spiritual awakening in prison and it’s one of my favorite episodes!
@nicolemeneses3323
@nicolemeneses3323 3 роки тому
This is such a sad case, imagine having 20 years taken away from you from a system that should protect you and knowing you're innocent.
@shelbyknight123
@shelbyknight123 3 роки тому
ABSOLUTE LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!! I cant not even express into words how great it can be! There needs to be awareness on this topic!! Its crazt how many people have gotten charged with stuff when their innocent
@Ydgetgwop
@Ydgetgwop 3 роки тому
Great video as always 👍🏾
@catalinagomezroca6257
@catalinagomezroca6257 3 роки тому
he sounds so wise, i would love to have a conversation with him
@DrunkynMonkee
@DrunkynMonkee 3 роки тому
I can not imagine anything more terrifying than being a child and having a bunch of adults that literally are going to kill you.
@opiorotten
@opiorotten 3 роки тому
I have been waiting for him to talk about his experience since I saw the documentaries, this needs to be a live topic this 2020!
@pizzarolls7866
@pizzarolls7866 3 роки тому
The sad thing is that there are so many people like this that are still in prison.
@freyaodinsdottir2207
@freyaodinsdottir2207 3 роки тому
The fact people STILL think these three guys were doing some sort of Satanic ritual is so infuriating.
@maddiejoy6619
@maddiejoy6619 3 роки тому
One of the most tragic things about the West Memphis Three case is that whoever really did kill those boys has gotten away with it.
@julieharris-zerance8854
@julieharris-zerance8854 3 роки тому
Thank you for not focusing on the judgemental things they said about Damien to persecute him. It allowed me to hear him and not what others said for him. After your interview, I looked around at other articles and I was shocked to learn what people thought of him as young man because of hobbies or interests or kids being kids.
@EH012
@EH012 3 роки тому
An inspirational man. Goes to show... when you truly face, and learn to live with your Self, you cannot help but recognize your Self in all others. I think it speaks volumes that, despite the crimes committed against him by the judicial system, he doesn't speak of anger, blame, or fault, he speaks of taking ownership of our present, and taking responsibility for ourselves... for those of us who commit crime against the system. True compassion takes a lot of courage 😊
@talosheeg
@talosheeg 3 роки тому
I'm so glad they got set free!
@joyleafsidhe6185
@joyleafsidhe6185 3 роки тому
Unfortunately, it's not likely the criminal justice will change as it is a for profit business.
@MrsJessStone
@MrsJessStone 3 роки тому
Damien has become such an inspiration to me over the last 15 years or so! So articulate
@monjanger
@monjanger 2 роки тому
As otherss have already stated, Damien is extremly well spoken and articulate. I thought his perspective was eye opening and informative. I hope to see him in the public eye again.
@koltonnanninga577
@koltonnanninga577 3 роки тому
God. I'm so glad they are telling their stories. I will always stand by the West Memphis Three.
@jakefoster5611
@jakefoster5611 3 роки тому
forever.
@TheGrayton2000
@TheGrayton2000 2 роки тому
Yep
@ayato4743
@ayato4743 3 роки тому
Thats why I am glad to live in a country with no death penalty. Even one innocent person out of thousand rightfully sentenced is too much of a failure rate in my eyes
@anna12910
@anna12910 3 роки тому
I'm so relieved to hear that he was able to maintain enough hope to carry him out. It's absolutely heartbreaking to think of all of the people in his same position who were not so lucky.
@kitkatfrosty
@kitkatfrosty 3 роки тому
I was able to meet Damien at a book signing of his in LA in 2014. I was on holiday from Australia and the timing worked out perfectly. Myself, my mum and my sister had followed his story for a few years before he was released after watching the Paradise Lost films, and I remember watching with them the moments when he was released. I was too shy to get out too much when it was my turn to meet Damien, but if he ever reads this - you have the capacity to make a lot of change in the realm of criminal justice reform, and I hope as many people as possible hear your story so they know miscarriages of justice can occur and what can be done to prevent them. Its really good to see you are doing well on the outside.
@colleensarmento9660
@colleensarmento9660 3 роки тому
He seems like such a nice guy. Im so sad that happened to him
@silkyjohnson4519
@silkyjohnson4519 3 роки тому
Dude found a wife in prison and here I am getting ignored.
@13din
@13din 3 роки тому
😂
@silkyjohnson4519
@silkyjohnson4519 3 роки тому
@Killer Germ lol yeah she might be a little strange
@dizzyapocalypse1295
@dizzyapocalypse1295 2 роки тому
this man is truly amazing, sharing about this despite his trauma
@effy17
@effy17 3 роки тому
I like how he says it's important to learn more about it, and educating ourselves at the end
@vana4eva1234
@vana4eva1234 3 роки тому
Jesus, I'm surprised I've done so many essays on this case for school. Most people don't know anything about it.
@jakefoster5611
@jakefoster5611 3 роки тому
i wrote a couple myself. one for a crime class and another on the documentaries in a film class. been following the case for about 20 years.
@alinad.8976
@alinad.8976 3 роки тому
Oh my god...makes me wonder how many more cases like this actually happen in real life...
@WaverlyWizardx
@WaverlyWizardx 3 роки тому
Look at Nate woods he got executed this year in March at Alabama. The real killer confessed ..govenor still allowed his execution
@skyeblue91
@skyeblue91 3 роки тому
Love this guys voice! Has the perfect voice for true crime narratives.
@joselynrodriguez5186
@joselynrodriguez5186 3 роки тому
I remember hearing about this like 3 years ago popped up in my recommendations and this case has stuck with me forever, so shocking and indescribable how this all ended up. I hope they’re doing great now
@WickedMitch
@WickedMitch 3 роки тому
Echols also has a UKposts channel where he talks about his magick practice if anyone's curious.
@groundedandinspired
@groundedandinspired 3 роки тому
Thank you!
@marogmartz
@marogmartz 3 роки тому
Yeah, I found him through Midnight Gospel, best thing ever.
@mayrose9387
@mayrose9387 3 роки тому
I really admire him he's a survivor and a fighter
@CaitlinBloodyMary
@CaitlinBloodyMary 3 роки тому
Damien is such a legend. The more I learn about him, the more I respect him. For anyone interested, the interviews with Jason and Damien on the Truth and Justice podcast are simply mindblowing. Both come across so thoughtful and intelligent, despite their trauma. Just genuinely dug their vibes and could relate to so much of their pre-arrest lives as 'weirdo' outcasts. They're both amazing men, doing amazing work, and worth learning more about.
@Croxic525
@Croxic525 3 роки тому
Aria is doing amazing with content! He's really stepped to the plate and making this channel his own! Bravo Aria!
@monicakruczaj2244
@monicakruczaj2244 3 роки тому
I can't believe they had to confess to being guilty for something they didn't do.
@stratosphere94
@stratosphere94 3 роки тому
American justice system amirite?
@missundies
@missundies 3 роки тому
It happens all the time. They make innocent people think it's their best/only option.
@mstat7776
@mstat7776 3 роки тому
I’d believe it was a false confession if it was just once or twice. But Jesse Miskelly confessed 8 times, even with his lawyers begging him not too. He even confessed on the way to the jail after his conviction.
@pressf4896
@pressf4896 3 роки тому
The West Memphis 3 are guilty and deserve to still be in prison. “Justice” is the best that money can buy in the USA. Damien has powerful and rich friends who got him free, simple as that. He still murdered those children. Jesse Misskelley confessed to the murders multiple times and explained how they did it in great detail both before, during and after the trial. He provided details only the killers could know (details about the case which were not released to the media). He confessed to 2 police officers who were driving him from jail to prison. He also confessed multiple times to the detectives, you can read the transcripts. The lawyers got these confessions thrown out by saying Miskelley was “low iq” (mentally disabled), he is slow but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t remember basic facts about a murder. More info here: www.westmemphisthreefacts.com
@TeeKoon
@TeeKoon 2 роки тому
@@pressf4896 I'll add they have no alibis.... Ask him why tv hosts don't ask this question, does he request to have some not to be part of the interview! Nobody read the case file if they convinced by docs who use half truth and leave facts that might change Damien popular perception! Damien is a chronic liar, people don't check his claims!
@katrabbit
@katrabbit 3 роки тому
I fully agree with him as far as rehabilitation goes for most inmates- those who commit robberies or theft, drug charges, those people can and should be helped. However, I do not believe that true sociopaths and psychopaths who have committed murder or sexual crimes can or should be rehabilitated. Just my opinion. I believe that is a sickness that can not be undone and is spread through the decades.
@amberhoward7807
@amberhoward7807 3 роки тому
Damien seems like such a great guy. Some people you can't tell if they are telling the truth and some people you totally can tell they are lying. Damien you can tell is telling his story so truthfully and heartfelt..
@lizardsofozz
@lizardsofozz 3 роки тому
Damien is an amazing person. I have so much love and respect for him. I'd love to just give him a hug
@SeabassFishbrains
@SeabassFishbrains 3 роки тому
I'm very glad that my state banned the death penalty. Even 1 innocent death at the hands of the state is too many to justify maintaining the death penalty.
@conversationtosaurusrex
@conversationtosaurusrex 3 роки тому
Death penalty is a touchy subject of course, but is imperative to mention that those who are often on death row are there because they have disregarded the absolute right of humanity by engaging in inhumane conditions such as torture, mass murder and many other vile disgusting behavior.
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