Posted by Scott in Featured Articles, Headline, Popular, WM3 | 186 comments
WM3 Week: Scott Hutcheson’s Thoughts…
Let me explain my unique situation to this case. Having lived in West Memphis for a year prior to the murders, the 3 boys that were murdered Michael, Chris and Steve were all close friends of myself and my brother Aaron. We all attended the same cub scout meetings and Michael’s father Todd was our scout leader. To say we were close with the boys would be an understatement.
Being the young, impressionable age of 12 I just believed whatever I was told by the local news and police department to be true. In 2000, at age 17, I re-watched the first documentary, which was immediately followed by the premiere airing of ‘Paradise Lost: Revelations’ on HBO I was blown away when I came to the realization that they were not guilty and had been wrongfully imprisoned all these years.
Then came the guilty, gut wrenching thoughts of my mom having a hand in their convictions. Having to admit being wrong does not come easily for the men of my family, but I was determined to right the wrongs of my family. I quickly jumped to the Internet forums, and WM3.org to pledge my support for them which was a tough decision as most of the people that are directly linked to it still believed that they were guilty.
So here we are, 9 years since then and these guys are still fighting for their innocence in a battle that is getting more and more difficult as time goes on. Couple that with the fact that Judge Burnett, the original judge on the case has moved up in the ranks and still resides over any appeals case that comes from these guys. If you think its difficult for me to admit being wrong, how hard would it be to admit you handed down a death sentence and 2 other life without parole convictions to innocent men.
To make matters worse, John Mark Byers is promoting the book of his life story and jumped shipped to become a “supporter” of the WM3. I normally would welcome any supporters because every little bit helps but the simple fact of the whole thing is its very obvious this is a marketing ploy to help his book sales. The book titled ‘Untying The Knot::John Mark Byers and the West Memphis Homicides’ keeps getting a delayed release and at this point it seems it wont be coming out anytime soon, or at least not until ‘Paradise Lost 3′ comes out. The man who spent every waking moment of the last 15 years cursing the WM3 is now a supporter right around the same time a book on his life..do the math.
Let me also tell you that the front John Mark Byers puts up for the camera and everyone around him is ridiculous and should be outed. We lived about 4 houses down from Mark and Melissa before the murders happened and frequented the Moore house across the street from them after the murders happened. I have been inside of their house, hung out with Ryan(Chris’ older brother), and saw the relationship he had with Chris. I have no idea where he mustered the tears up and something that resembled grieving for the documentaries but I can tell you that as a parent of 2 children I could never treat or do the things that he did to Christopher.
I witnessed first hand the abuse and neglect that Mark gave to Chris, so for him to cry on camera about how much he loved his stepson is appalling. Lucky for Mark there were no camera’s around to capture how he treated Chris before the murders happened, unfortunately for him I am here to give you all the truth of the matter.
Its an American travesty that these guys are locked up, and have been locked up for the last 16 years based on no evidence, and a proven coerced confession. When will these men see real justice brought to their case is the real question, I just wish I had the answer.
***UPDATE***
I have since gotten a response from Greg Day who wrote the John Mark Byers book about a possible interview with Mr Byers. Here is what he initially had to say about the interview:
“Scott,I talked to Mark today and he said he has no interest in talking to you, and that in any event he doesn’t do phone interviews.If I can be of any further assistance to you, please let me know.Regards,Greg Day”
“To be blunt about it, Mark is simply not interested in having anything to do with the Hutcheson clan, and I doubt that anything would change his mind. Your mother’s recent revelations aside, without her perjured testimony and manipulation of your brother, there may very well have been no WM3 to talk about today.I’m sorry I can’t be of any further assitance to you.”
Wow, to blame 2 separate cases on the testimony of 1 person that only testified in the first case and had nothing to do with the other is absolutely amazing. I guess when you spend a significant amount of time buying into someone that you wrote their life story about it is very easy to be misinformed.
Dear Scott and Victoria,
You are an inspiration to people who love the truth. God bless you and your family. Don’t let anyone with venom in his tongue bring you down.
Sincerely,
Demian
To user unbelievable:
Why are you being so tough on Scott? It seems to me that he knows more about this saga than you do. Don’t believe all of the hype in the HBO films and you tube videos. I am sure when Scott finds the time he will deliver the information that we are all looking for. I know myself, watching the videos leads me in all directions other than the WM3. It is probably hard for Scott to talk about this situation since it directly involves his mother and brother. I think Victoria would be a great person to disclose the inside scoop. Maybe you are the snob buddy. Why don’t you wait on the facts before you start all the name calling. Try emailing the WM3, I’m sure they have nothing but time to get back to you.
scott, I live in northeast Arkansas and maybe we could work out something to conduct an interview with John Mark Byer. i entered my email address and would like for you to contact me with this possibility.
JUSTICEFORALL: MY PANTIES ARE NOT IN A WAD. I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THE DIFFERENCE BECAUSE I ADVOCATE FOR THE WM3 UNDER MY AVATAR NAME OF JUSTICE 4 ALL………..
some very interesting reading on theory on the wm3 case is in the link site in callahan http://www.midsouthjustice.com.
THANKS to all that is trying to help the westmemphis 3.Im very close to Jessie. he use to babysit my kids and now my kids have kids .and i wish he was home to babysit them
stephanie you say your close to jessie ? are you in contact with him? i am just wondering because i am a supporter and an advocate and i too coorespond with him.
Yes and his dad big Jessie
my kids who are grown. now and thay miss him a lot he even watched my kids the day the kids came up missing.
He watched your kids the day the kids were missing? Did you ever talk to the police about that?
yes i did and i said it in court you can go to the wm3 site and read the court testomy on what every witness testified to even mine
The truth has a way of chasing everyone. This blog is full of truth and lies. Those who present lies as if they were truth cannot fool themselves. Inside ourselves, the heart knows. If you live in the truth, you are free. The truth sets you free.
The blood of three children is screaming from the ground. They are screaming on top of countless others who have been victims to a corrupt police department that continues to have drug ties to this day. God is above the plans of these wicked men. Even these wicked men have a chance for redemption. Step into the light.
Come forward and don't be afraid for no one or nothing is more powerful than this God who loves without condition. There is so much at stake here. We have everything to gain… or everything to lose. Step forward and speak the truth.
(310) 995-7664.
I agree with LK on the teeth. they never even made a deal of it, and i think it absolutely was a big deal. wayyy to suspicious for these kids to be in jail for all this time. I am biased from only what I saw on the documentaries and the new articles, but I believe they are innocent. No blood on the ground, it all washed away on all 3? sorry i just dont buy it. the kids that were killed deserve to have the real people or person that did this come to justice.
And Byers got help with the book, because unless he attended college over the last 15 years, he can't function a brainwave for a long period of time, much less a book. He is a back woods, uneducated idiot. Unfortunately, I believe his wife overdosed, because she knew the truth.
Thanks for coming forward with this blog and telling the truth. I wont lie Vicky, when I first read about your role in the conviction of the WM3 in Devils Knot, I was extremely disgusted that anyone could lie in front of a grand jury and swear on a bible. After reading more about the case and what situation you were in at the time I began to realize how the police can use their power and influence to persuade good people to do things they would usually never do. I commend your efforts in trying to rectify your past digressions and I sincerely hope that you and your family will provide the defense team of the WM3 any assistance you possibly can. Anyone can make a mistake and for people to cast judgment on this family is dastardly. The past is the past and this family is obviously trying to do the best they can to move forward and try to do the right thing.
AND EVEN IF SHE DOES IT WONT BRING BACK ALL OF THE YEARS LOST.
I just want to take this opportunity to post a few things pertinant to the wm3 case. First of all Stephanie thank you for staying true to Jessie of course you would because you do know where he was that night until 6:30. Secondly I have never had the chance to express my deepest sympathy to the three children's families, and I am now doing that. Also Mr.Misskelley I am so sorry for your family and yourself for this terrible misfortune. The same to Jason's and Damien's family and friends. Now to any Arkansans that view this just in case you are not aware John Fogelman is running for State Circuit Judge. Now it is within your power not to vote this man in. I can't imagine that he could be objective and fair being with his conduct in this case. Sincerely, justice 4 all Western NY
Hail Scott, Just wanted to write and say I really enjoyed your blog!…Ive been following this case since it went down in the early 90s..I lived in southwest Missouri and as you can Imagine, being so close to Ark. it was on our news Constantly too.// /I was gonna ask you, Since you knew everyone pretty well did you ever see any weirdness with Terry Hobbs? From the very begining he always struck me as an Odd character..you never really heard or knew much about him…And then I heard that they Found one of his and his buddy David J. Hairs at the scene…I watched the new interview with him and the Police and the dude still Creeps me out…Very Interesting blog, man……Joel….FREE THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE!!
JUST A NOTE TO MY POST REGARDING JOHN FOGLEMAN, I STAND CORRECTED IT IS FOR SUPREME COURT. PLEASE STAND UP AND FIGHT THIS YET ANOTHER UNJUSTICE.
Mark Byers — Everything about him screams "it could be me". How come every time Mark's name comes up, for whatever reason there is always a story behind the story?
So he took a lie detector test on so much medication anyone would pass.
I hate watching him
The late night search of the woods
The Xmas present of a knife
The false teeth (timing, losing, etc.) He lost them conveniently the night before the show
Admits he beats the kid
Melissa’s death
Him at the sight of the murders, bending so tragically down onto his knees
His horrible singing
His theatrics at the Steven’s grave
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE
All I know is that there are 3 kids in jail. PERIOD.
They NEED to be released immediately. No more delays, stop the non value added paperwork and lets give these kids some justice. THEN, lets concentrate on who the real killer’s are!!! Yes, I believe it could not happen by just one person.__
I just don't know about the time line though. He seems to have been seen except at midnight. If this was a dump site there goes the theory that he is the killer. If they were killled at the creek why didn't anyone find them that night and why werent there misquito bites ? The time of death is suppose to be between 1am – 5am on the sixth!!
Are there any updates on the case?
These boys need out …..
Well done for sticking with it everyone
Abs x
About Mark Byers' decision to not go to the interview….If people accused me of being a murderer, I wouldn't go to an interview when my reputation had already been ruined once before. It's best not to assume, or suggest anything, when clarity isn't apparent. It is too often, that suspicions will lead to conclusions we desire to have…I'm not defending or offending. I just feel it's important to be rational, unbiased, and to consume recognition when biases are performed…
I learned of this case just this morning. I was driving behind a car on my way to work, and saw the bumpersticker reading FreeWM3. It caught my eye and so the first thing I did once I got to work was look it up. I read the case notes and the trial log. I am just so saddened over this unfornunate event. My heart has hurt for these 3 young boys, and the victims. I cant imagine spending my life in prison starting at such an age, for nothing. I am going to make it a point to follow this in depth, and support them…I will pass the word all over. I live in Texas, and come from a very small town in Kentucky, so I am familiar with small town corruption and justice. My prayers are with the families of the boys who died and the boys lost to the justice systems.
i have been following this case for many years and I have to say it disgusts me to see people name calling back and fourth. My heart goes out to Damien, Jesse and Jason. And though I do not know any of these men personally I think it would disgust them to see the name calling that is going on here. Their appeals are what is important, not your petty arguing!
I am working for Jessie Misskelley with his attorneys, Michael Burt and Jeff Rosenzweig. We're now in Jessie and Jason's Rule 37 hearing and I have not been able to reach Victoria Hutcheson. If she wants to help Jessie and Jason, now is the time. Can anyone help me locate her? Thanks.
The moment judge burnett took his seat as the judge this case was already over. this man has shown mothing but bias all through the years, everytime there is new hearing he reappears.as again he has came out of retirement to make sure these three innocent boys remain where they are.Nothing will change till this feeble minded man moves on to a higher judge where the verdict will be final,lets hope soon
Yes Miranda you so right , wherever there is comment thread there has to be infighting , yhis squbling does nothing for the wm3, i thought this was place where people dicuss logiical dialouge, pertaining to wm3 y insulting each oyher helps no one as the majoity of people on this thred do not know each other, so the blaming is of no interest to most , the point is to free the wm3 and let the three 8yr old vitims have their day in court, find the real murderer
Hey Victoria I could have swore you sat here and EVERYWHERE ELSE saying you would do ANYTHING to right the wrongs you created… DID YOU NOT???
But yet they announce today that you refuse to take the stand because,
" statute of limitations on possible perjury charge has run out if if Vicki contradicts her prior testimony from Jessie's trial in January of 1994. State says it is not willing to grant immunity "
AHHHHH SO ONCE AGAIN YOUR FREEDOM IS MORE IMPORTANT THEN THE INNOCENT ONES??????? YOUR GUILTY OF PURJURY YOU LIED AS A WITNESS WHICH MEANS YOU ARE NOOOOOOOOOOT INNONCENT YOU DESREVE TO BE LOCKED UP FOR PARTICIPATING IN LOCKING UP THESE INNOCENT BOYS!!! BUT ONCE AGAIN LIKE BEFORE YOUR FREEDOM DISPITE HOW GUILTY AND NOT INNOCENT YOU ARE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THOSE WHO ARE INNOCENT WHO HAVE SERVED 16 YEARS BECAUSE OF THE LIES YOU PUT FORWARD???
FOR GODS SAKE DAMIEN HAS MISSED HIS CHILD GROWING UP YOU SAW YOUR YOUR AN OLD HAG GO FIC YOUR DAMN WRONG YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE HE STILL HAS A FEW YEARS OF HIS YOUNG LIFE LEFT!!!!!!!
STOP BEING SO CRUEL AND SELFISH FIX THE DAMN WRONG YOU HELPED CREATE AND STOP THINKING ABOUT YOURSELF!!!!!!!
And more power to anyone who watnts to attack me, but until I saw that pop up on the news I was lal for Vicky and believed she had redeamed herself and all… She always said she would do ANYTHING to fix or help fix the bull she did… And here's her turn and she runs LIKE A COWARD because her life is more precious then those who DID NOT commit ANY SORT of crime… You've lived your life, you've watched your kids grow up GO FIX YOUR EVIL SCREW UP!!! You say god is the one going to judge you? YOUR DAMN STRAIGHT HE IS BECAUSE YOU JUST COMMITTED A MORTAL SIN…
I cant believe I actually fell for all your bullshit that you were a better person that you felt so bad for all you've done…
PROVE IT AND GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE AND TAKE THE DAMN STAND AND LET THESE BOYS GET MARRIED HAVE CHILDREN SEE THEIR CHILDREN ETC SOMETHING YOU"VE ALREADY DONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and by the way I pass no judgements on the family, and I KNOW you were coerced into lying Vicky, butonce again you say you'd fix it if you could, and you pass up your one chance because boohoo you dont want to be charged with purjury regardless of the fact that 2 boys are facing multiple life terms and 1 is faceing death compared to a couple years you'd get… it's cruel…
But yes Scott I commend you for sticking your neck out to share the truth…
And about the case…
Personally i believe the website http://www.midsouthjustice.com that it was possibly a drug crime involving possible the 2 step fathers, the bojangles guy and the loss amd misleading of info by the police who were friends with byars. Everyone should check it out, it has a lot of information that was NEVER on the movies and such and it really makes you think… I dont remember anyone saying anything about chris's brother stating he heard gun shots and then 30 minutes later bojangles poped in, and that byers was not with him and his friends searching like he claimed he was etc etc… And once again why havent they checked the shed (for any type of evidence)that byars had to soooo quickly run and check for the boys at???
No sign of stuggle at the site means they were hog tied else where they were probably coerced into metting step dad at the shed etc who also lied saying he had gotten home to no chris when grandpa said byers was already home when he got there to babysit and said he was gonna pick up chris from school… And the wife… puncture wounds in feet and hands but yet they ruled it overdose/suicide because she had told byars she wanted a divorce for cheating… But yet on the movie had had made the comment "after my wifes murder"… and he didnt attempt cpr on his wife until TOLD to after the neighbor showed up??? WTH.. meh… So many dead ends that the stupid courts didnt take into consideration.. unless oh wait… The cops were covering up some sort of drug ring or something?? =/
Forgive my novel… But I had a lot to say and it only lets you say so much at once.
this injustice in the wm2 will not end, as usuall burnett has turned his hechmen loose on the wirness,.and the state of Arkansas again is not looking. til the voteing public stands up to these backward thinking westmemphes justice system and tell to do the right thing free these men oryou will never see office again.
I'm not trying to pass judgement but dont understand why you wont do whats right Vickie, can't you see that they are just trying to scare you out of giving evidence.
You have had a chance to live your life why wont you let there guys live theirs. What about Damiens son did you ever think about all that he has missed out on cause of your actions.
To me I just find it selfish that you want tell the truth cause they wont grant you immunity.
I'm from Australia and maybe thats just it, maybe we are different down here. Down here we have a saying if you make your bed you have to lay in it!, so why wont you lay in yours
Do the right thing!
Vicki, fortune favours the brave. Be brave for them now. Be brave for us now. Be brave for yourself. You can do it. Please try. Help these guys please. Sending love, hope and courage from Queensland Australia.
Deanna, don't waste your breath. The woman has no conscience.
Let's take a look at what she's said in this very blog.
"The truth in this case has been not something used often myself included but today I can sleep nights. Before it was a little difficult."
"One thing I am not is a coward. Maybe I cowarded out in 1994 but buddy I won't ever again."
"Our feelings can't be hurt and stop focusing on what went on and start focusing on what can be done! Arent we all reaching for the same thing….Jessie, Jason and Damiens freedom."
"I have changed and I have changed alot but I don't have to prove this to anyone God knows and thats all that matters."
"I have made it clear that I will help in any way I can to do what is right now. I cant change what has happened nor can I take back what has already been done but I can make a difference in the now and I am trying to do just that."
"We will help any way and at any time that it would help Jessy, Jason and Damien but other than that."
She is absolute gutter scum. And that goes for you too Scotty "Pig Pen" Hutcheson and anybody else who tries to defend her.
Let's see how long this post lasts before lil Scotty deletes it.
[youtube xjsNmEFFB_g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjsNmEFFB_g youtube]
ALl I can say in response to your comment Stu is Vicky is the largest hipocrit in the world,
"I have made it clear that I will help in any way I can to do what is right now. I cant change what has happened nor can I take back what has already been done but I can make a difference in the now and I am trying to do just that."
Here's your chance to make your DIFFERENCE you claim you will so confidently do, and what do you do? EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID YOU ARENT… YOU'RE A COWARD VICKY ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOU!!!
please, PLEASE… BUY A DICTIONARY! I am finished reading anything you post, due to your obvious ignorance! Aaarrrrgg!
You helped put these innocent boys in jail with your bullshit because saving your ass when you WERE GUILTY of a crime was more important then INNOCENT CHILDREN!! ANd now… YOUR CHANCE TO REDEEM AND GET YOUR FORGIVENESS FROM YOUR GOD SINCE YOU CLAIM YOU ARE OH SO RELIGIOUS AND YOU WHAT??!!!??!! YOU DO EXACTLY WHAT YOUR "GOD" DOESNT LIKE! Lying with your right hand on the holy bible isnt enough, you have a chance to help free those you used the lord in vein that day on and you wont??!!! WHAT MORE DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE FOR THAT YOUR LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THEN GIVING THEM EVEN A SLIGHT CHANCE THEY ARE ALREADY IN THE 30's FOR GODS SAKE!!! LET THEM HAVE CHILDREN AND GET MARRIED LET DAMIEN SLEEP IN THE SAME BED WITH HIS WIFE AND SEE HIS SON GET MARRIED AND HAVE KIDS FOR GODSS SAKE!!!!!!!
Once more Vicky I cant even BEGIN TO BELIEVE why I looked up to you for admitting your mistakes and all you did, it was all a facad a bunch of BULLSHIT to make yourself look good and get people off your ass!! Well no more, I now see what kind of evil vindictive person you REALLY ARE!!!
According to YOUR bible you will burn in hell for this Vicky, but according to your not once but TWICE now evil deeds YOU WILL BURN TWICE FOR IT!!!
And YES a novel ONCE AGAIN because I am absolutly IRATE at the fact that you are a lying hypocrit that is more concerned about yourself who guess what Vicky THE COURTS SAID THEY ARE PROBABLY GOING YTO PERSECUTE YOU ANYWAY SO GO LET THE INNOCENT HAVE A LITTLE OF THEIR LIFE BACK FOR GODS SAKE!!!
Get some of your damn humanity back Vicky!!!!
Hey phony christian VH……GALATIONS 6:7 (also applies to females). Boy are you going to get yours !
VH attended the hearings; took legal advice; acted upon it. Now that is a crime? What is more it would seem that as she was unable to testify the video of her stating the facts under oath was accepted into evidence in lieu along with Ms Pemberton's testimony.
That is a result. Maybe not the one that many would have preferred but the one that happened. As a nation you seem to refer to a God an awful lot but with no real Christian compassion! Interesting that retribution is of more importance than redemption / acceptance / forgiveness. Talk about OT thumping – someone forgot to let on that The New Testament came after that Crucifixion.
Neither Jason nor Jessie spat in the face of VH nor tried to claw her eyes out – can we not follow their lead if we are truly vested in this travesty of justice being righted? That surely is the aim of the defense teams and their clients.
part 2 . .
I guess Australia is going the way of USA if posting that video clip of Stu bravely trying to taunt VH on camera. It was bad enough being proudly up on your site Stu – but on her son's site? Freedom of Speech is abused when it is used to cover as a freedom to be rude, unkind, bitchy etcetera. As I said on your board you would appear to afford more civility for the prosecution these days – or is it just that Judge Burnett could just maybe have you removed or discouraged as a public nuisance? You would seem to have no shame. But this is merely my opinion of your current actions, and from a very British perspective to boot!
Scott it does no harm staying here. Your mother and her companion, maintain their composure despite having the camera and comments intrusively thrust in their faces. That ,and it's title, merely reflect the mindset of the crass camera man!
Miranda
With apologies if anyone is offended by the Biblical references. But it would seem that Hell Fire & Damnation are as alive as satanism was back in '93.
I certainly did not come here to slam Vicki. We have all made mistakes. We all do what we think is the best…. Or that is how I was taught, but, I wasn't taught in Arkansas. I do hope she decided to step up and clear the air. As much the air outside her soul as inside. She will, someday NEED to do the right thing, at whatever risk, to keep her sanity, whether she cares about the lives of others or not. At this point she is still concerned more for herself than others, that is typical American, I believe. Meanwhile, the perjury remains an issue for me. I simply cannot imagine taking the stand to lie, but that's me, not her. I also cannot fathom not bracing myself for the consequences, whether or not was granted immunity, once I realize I need to tell the truth, but, again, that's just me.
Please, Vicki, I beg of you!!! Stand up! You may, doubtfully if 1st offense, go to jail for a minute. Jail! Not prison and most certainly not death row. If that were to happen, while you're there, you will know you have "X" time to serve and you will go home…. YOU have the power to make a difference, please don't waste that power.
What if your son were the one the chose to railroad in this way? Wouldn't you want me to take the perjury chance to attempt to clear yours?!
yhou shall not bere faults wintness against thy nieghbour, think these will be rough on you wait till you meet the real judge
can we just leave the bible out of this? didn't that book cause enough messiness already? Without the bible, you have no devil… without that, this case could have never been! Make sense?
Miranda, I thank every non-existant imaginary deity ever created for the likes of Stu. He's there when so many more of us from Australia (and everywhere else from around the world) would also like to be there alongside of him in the quest for the truth in all this mess and to show their support for Jason and Jessie. He's only asking the questions that everyone else wants Vicki to answer. I say good on him for doing so.
"Let's see how long this post lasts before lil Scotty deletes it. "
I havent deleted ANYTHING from the site. All of the comments are still here. My mom was advised by both the attorney appointed to her not to say anything and by the defense attorneys.
And where does this name "Pig Pen" come in? Are you just making up nicknames for me now?
"My mom was advised by both the attorney appointed to her not to say anything and by the defense attorneys"
As I posted at my website, Scott, it's certainly not my understanding of the situation.
They were the ones that had Nancy Pemberton post on your blog to try and contact her. Why would they do that if they didn't want her to testify?
I was there and I spoke with the defense. I know what went down.
you know what they told you went down Stu.