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yankee-in-france PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 10:13 am

Events and Updates

Coming Soon 		YIF
YIF



Joined: 30 Mar 2006
Posts: 6562
Location: France
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:11 pm

FOR DAMIEN BLOG

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41045221&blogID=393241156

Monday, May 12, 2008

Latest News: Hearings for the West Memphis Three motions scheduled for Sept 8th through Oct 3rd


Latest News: Hearings for the West Memphis Three motions scheduled for September 8th through October 3rd.




WATCH THE DNA PRESS CONFERENCE





Dear Friends & Supporters:


As most of you know, the State of Arkansas has finally granted a hearing that will hopefully give a fair examination of all new DNA and forensic evidence in the cases of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley.

Filings must be complete by May 30th, 2008, and the State will then have time to review the information. Judge David Burnett has set aside Sept. 8-Oct 3, 2008 to hear the new evidence and all three cases and Rule 37 petitions for Jason and Jessie.

Damien's attorneys Dennis Riordan and Don Horgan filed a motion in State court on April 14, 2008. The filing provides strong scientific evidence that all three men are innocent of the murders for which they were wrongfully convicted in 1993. It includes DNA testing on dozens of pieces of evidence, analysis from the nation's leading forensic science experts, other solid scientific evidence and compelling witness affidavits. There was no credible evidence presented when these three men were on trial; they were convicted based on fear, hysteria and innuendo. With our recent court filing, reliable scientific evidence finally came into this case, nearly 14 years after Damien, Jessie and Jason were wrongfully convicted.

We urgently need your help to make sure this evidence is fully considered in the most important hearing since the convictions in 1994. The harsh reality is that uncovering clear evidence that the West Memphis Three are innocent isn't enough. It must go through the court system, and all three cases have new evidence that needs additional testing and documentation. Funds are required for mounting the best defense possible in Jonesboro come September.

We're encouraged by the commitment and loyalty from supporters we've received over the years. Our day in court is finally upon us, and we need your help more than ever. Please make a donation to the Defense Fund today.

Please make checks payable to:

Damien Echols Defense Fund
PO Box 1216
Little Rock, AR 72203

You can also donate online, through PayPal. It's easy, free and allows you to use your credit or debit card. We also suggest that International Supporters use this option. Please use LDavis11@hotmail.com as the recipient address and kindly include your name and address in the notes box. The button you can click to include your address does not always work.

Over the last several years – and particularly the last several months – we have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of longtime friends and people just learning about the case. Shortly after we made the new evidence public, a group of supporters in Arkansas began organizing to put political pressure on the Governor, Attorney General and District Attorney. Thousands of people, many of them in Arkansas and Tennessee, came forward to demand that the new evidence be fully considered.

The message is clear: The public wants elected officials to respect the scientific evidence, and most people – even those who once believed that the West Memphis Three were guilty – believe that the case is an intolerable miscarriage of justice. In the months ahead, we will be expanding these organizing and public education efforts, just as we redouble our litigation strategy to exonerate Damien, Jessie and Jason.

Check back for regular updates, much will be happening in the coming weeks/months.

Thanks again,
Lorri Davis
and the Damien Echols Legal Team




Press Inquiries:
Alice Whitman Leeds
Public Relations in the Public Interest
Ph: 212-874-0675
Mobile: 917-523-5029
aleeds@nyc.rr.com 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:12 pm

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Editorial: State needs innocence commission



Editorial: State needs innocence commission

11:24 AM CDT on Sunday, May 11, 2008


A poignant drama unfolded in the state Capitol last week that should have been witnessed by all Texans.

Nine men at a head table in the Senate chamber looked out at a sea of faces and shared stories of lost freedom. Unjustly convicted in Texas courts, each was locked away in prison until the truth of his innocence was established, most of them through DNA tests.

The first to speak, James Lee Woodard, lost 27 years after the travesty of a wrongful conviction in Dallas County. Brandon Moon spoke of his lost 17 years. And Charles Chatman, 27 years. James Curtis Giles, 10 years. Carlos Lavernia, 15 years. Alejandro Hernandez, 13 years. Billy James Smith, 19 years. James Waller, 10 years. Thomas McGowan Jr., 23 years.

Some told their stories with passion and resolve, others with sadness. The facts chill to the bone. They reveal how scant or sketchy evidence, faulty witness identification, faulty forensics and gamesmanship by prosecutors helped railroad innocent people – and let the guilty get away.

"It was a nightmare," said Mr. McGowan, erroneously picked out of a photo lineup by a rape victim in Richardson in 1985. "It could happen to your kids; it could happen to you."

Lawmakers in Texas must do something about that ghastly possibility. Eight lawmakers were in the audience Thursday to hear the testimonials of the exonerated men. Also attending were legal experts, judges, police brass and other law enforcement officials.

They gathered at the invitation of Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston, who has championed the forMation of a state innocence commission to dissect cases of exonerated people and recommend ways to improve the system. The concept is a sound one and has been adopted by at least five states.

It's needed badly in Texas, which has 33 DNA-established exonerations to date, more than any other state. Seventeen are from Dallas County, more than in any other U.S. county.

News flashes about Dallas cases obscure the fact that local exonerations would not be achieved were it not for the sound practice of storing biological evidence in all criminal cases. No other Texas county has done that; one can only imagine how many wrongly convicted people from the 253 other Texas counties have no shot at DNA exoneration. A special commission could recommend best practices for evidence storage, among a long list of other law enforcement procedures.

Credit goes to several local officials for attending Mr. Ellis' summit and pledging to work to improve justice. They include District Attorney Craig Watkins, Republican Sen. Bob Deuell, Democratic Rep. Terri Hodge, Democratic Rep. Paula Pierson, Dallas Assistant Police Chief Ron Waldrop and Richardson Police Chief Larry Zacharias. Two judges from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Barbara Hervey and Cheryl Johnson – offered ideas.

We hope the list of participants reflects momentum for the Ellis proposal after years of indifference and hostility in the Legislature. His legislation cleared the Senate last year but was snuffed out in a House committee.

Roadblocks must be eliminated in next year's lawmaking session, and Mr. Ellis deserves robust support from the Dallas-area delegation.

In fact, a Dallas Republican should step forward to sponsor the bill in the House. That would provide the political and geographic balance to help Mr. Ellis, a Democrat, secure passage.

No county has borne more shame than Dallas County for the outrage of miscarriage of justice. No county has a greater responsibility to change Texas law to prevent tragic mistakes in the future.


Potential legal reforms


A state innocence commission could recommend best practices in these areas:


•Eyewitness identification and testimony

•Photo lineups

•Suspect interrogation

•Preservation of biological evidence

•Forensic technology

•Defendant's access to case files

•The right to competent defense counsel

•Ethical and legal responsibilities of prosecutors

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-innocence_11edi.ART.State.Edition1.464e3cf.html 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:13 pm

From "For Damien" blog:

There is also always our number one source: www.wm3.org where you can find other ways to help raise awareness/funds for the West Memphis Three: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/index.php



How to help:



Letter by Lorri Davis: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/letter.php



10 ways to help: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/10WaysToHelp.php



Online Awareness store: http://wm3.org/live/store/index.php



Raise Awareness: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/awareness_menu.php



Fundraising: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/fundraising_menu.php



Bookstore: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/booksfilms.php



ATA: http://wm3.org/live/howtohelp/actionarkansas.php "Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 8978
Location: Kentucky 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:13 pm

More From FOR DAMIEN BLOG

Also, you can visit this online store where you can purchase beautiful art at a VERY reasonable price to benefit the WM3. wm3.media-mizer.com



"As a community we have power in numbers. While one of us may not be able to make a huge change, together we can make a significant difference. Now is your opportunity to make that change. Together we can help raise money for the defense fund where 100% of your donation will go to expenses such as lawyer's fees." said Cinquain artist of Deviant Art (www.cinquain.deviantart.com).



........................................................................


Don't forget the West Memphis Three annual World Awareness Day: (http://www.myspace.com/wm3worldawarenessday). We are looking to have events worldwide, hence the World Awareness Day.



About West Memphis Three World Awareness Day:



The West Memphis Three World Awareness Day (WAD) is an annual event that brings together supporters on a single day or weekend, with fundraisers, concerts, and viewings of the Paradise Lost films taking place all over the world during that time. Over 100 events have taken place since the first WAD in 2005, involving such contributors as Alkaline Trio, Pearl Jam, Chuck Prophet, Jonathan Richman, Michale Graves, Nick Oliveri, Art Alexakis, the Supersuckers, Margaret Cho, the Dresden Dolls, Jello Biafra and Henry Rollins.

(http://www.myspace.com/wm3worldawarenessday) 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:14 pm

10 May 2008

Damien, Jessie and Jason need your help...


Dear friends and supporters of the West Memphis Three:..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />



I wanted to remind everyone that WM3 World Awareness Day is quickly approaching. May 30th – June 3rd, 2008 are the dates for the annual event.



June 3rd, 2008 will mark the 15-year anniversary Damien Echols was arrested along with Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin dubbing them the West Memphis Three. Damien Echols sits on death row, Jason Baldwin was sentenced to life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus forty. For more information about the case on these three innocent young men visit www.wm3.org.



What are you doing in your area to raise funds/awareness? This will probably be our last real chance to do this event. Please let us know what your plans are for this year WM3 World Awareness Day.



You could be putting together an event in your area with bands/burlesque dancers/roller derby girls/you name it. But what are you doing?



You could be showing the screening of the films in or around your area or in your home to a large number of friends and their friends friends and their friends friends friends. But what are you doing?



"Making a change, making a world a better place is not only your responsibility, it is your choice, it is your blessing, it is your gift, it's your opportunity to make your life mean something." So take it.



Other ideas of events you could have:



Get your school/University involved. Many University and High School teachers/professors have been showing the films: Paradise Lost and PL2 in their classes. Why not have a night to show the films and have music to raise money for the WM3.



People have had events in Churches, Universities, Schools, Community Centers and Homes. Think BIG; did any of you watch Oprah's BIG GIVE? Think BIG. It only takes ONE person to do something. Your community wants to help; you just have to ask people. You just have to take the time. Remember we are doing this for Damien, Jessie and Jason and giving them a voice because they cannot do this for themselves.



Where you live there are organizations in your area that may be willing to help. Don't forget Damien Echols is on death row so you can certainly call on organizations that are local that educate folks on death penalty reform. All you have to do is ask. You can get the organization to help you get speakers to come out and talk about the death penalty; perhaps you have a local who has been exonerated? Have those folks come speak. These things are ALL relevant to this case because Damien Echols is on death row. Don't think any idea cannot be done. Be creative, we are all creative beings and most of the time we don't use this ability and it is something that needs to be used. If you have any questions or want help formulate an idea then you can email me at velaentertainment@yahoo.com



Folks have mentioned ideas of bake sales, kissing booths, comedy nights, art shows, performance art shows and so on and so forth.

Get your creative juices going…



Below is an outline I wrote up a few years ago. It will help out in getting together an event.



Thanks.

~Anje

velaentertainment@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outline for event organization - Part 1


You want to put together a benefit? ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />



Brainstorm on ideas for your event.



1) Do you have a date set?

2) What do you have in mind? Will you be having bands/artists perform at your benefit?

3) What venue do you plan to use?

4) Do you have special guests in mind?

5) Do you have a team of volunteers?

6) Raffle/Auction items

7) Do you know your market?

Promotion/Advertising

9) Follow up



Do you have a date set for your event?



What do you have in mind? Will you be having bands/artists perform at your benefit?



1) If you are having bands/artist perform, from what time of day/night to what time?



2) How many bands/artists will you have to perform on this date?

a. If you have more than 3 bands, it's a good idea to back line the event.

i. Back lining you will either have a local studio donate or possibly one of the bands is willing to lend their equipment for the event. (Generally bands don't like to back line with their equipment)



3) Do you know the potential draw of each band/artist?

a. You've seen the band perform and know first hand what number of people they can draw? (for indie/unknown bands)

b. If you haven't seen the band to know their draw, you know they do well in your city.



4) Will the bands you choose flow nicely together on a bill together, as audiences have ADD and you will need to keep them involved.



5) Is everything clear with the band from the beginning what they will be doing the event for and that no payment for performance will be given? They know this is for a cause (and for what cause) and funds raised will go directly to that cause?



6) Do you have potential backup bands if any one of your bands drops from the bill?

a. It's a good idea to have bands in mind/written down for this potential possibility, which does happen.



7) Do you have someone or will you be acting as stage manager?

a. Be sure you have a line up together with the artist's times and be sure to send that information to all bands/artists participating. This way everyone will know what is expected.

b. Stage manager will keep the event on time and will be able to get bands on/off stage in a timely manner.



What venue do you plan to use?



Does your venue choice reflect the number of people that you intend to draw? (with bands/promotion you will have)

a. You know the capacity for each venue you intend to contact?

b. You can potentially fill the venue/room you choose for your benefit?

c. Don't get over zealous with this, as it will reflect on potential future shows you plan to have, as well as affect the outcome of your event.



9) Do you know how to gain access to the venue you intend to use?

a. Do you know someone, or have you worked with someone at your ideal venue?

b. Maybe one of the bands involved has a contact at your ideal venue and can better reach out to this venue?



10) Can you talk to your ideal venue about money?

a. If so, you need to see if they will donate the room 100%.

b. If they will not, ask if they will do an 80/20 split (you taking 80%). Always start from the higher end, with potential to put more money towards your cause.

c. If your line-up is good and the venue knows it will bring a crowd you should be able to make this work. As the venue will make money from drink/food. If they have food sales.

d. If you cannot talk about money with your venue, you need to find someone that can. You will need to talk about this factor with several people throughout the process of putting your event together.



Do you have special guests in mind?



Is everything clear with the special guest from the beginning what they will be doing the event for and that no payment will be given? They know this is for a cause (and for what cause) and funds raised will go directly to that cause?



It's best your special guest knows about the cause you are holding the event/benefit for. That way they can talk about the cause.



Your special guest is well known in your community?



Do you have a team of volunteers?



Is everything clear with the volunteers from the beginning what they will be doing the event for and that no payment will be given? They know this is for a cause (and for what cause) and funds raised will go directly to that cause?



I know it seems redundant, but you will have a few volunteers ask about payment even though they are asked to offer (volunteer) their time. This goes for bands and speakers as well.



Do you know how each volunteer can help? You may want to find out what they do for a living, as they may be able to provide assistance in areas you are not able to.



Raffle and Auction items for the cause.



11) Either you or a volunteer will need to contact folks about donating raffle/auction items.

a. Contact artists/bands

i. Autographed posters, CDs, drum cymbals, guitars, etc…

b. Companies you feel are known in the community that would be willing to donate items for your auction.

i. Restaurants in your area or in the general area of the venue in which you will hold your benefit may donate gift certificates for meals.

ii. Some local stores (Safeway, Whole Foods) may donate water or other food items for the bands. Always good to take care of your performing acts as they are donating their time as well.

iii. Maybe a local restaurant is willing to donate catered food for your event? (for bands/volunteers to have food).



Silent Auctions are best for items worth $50 or more. The audience will bid on something they know they want and they already know how much they will pay for that item.



If you don't know at what price to start your items at do a little research. Check sites such as eBay to get ideas. Don't start out too low or too high.



Raffle items can be CDs, Posters, Books and some of the smaller unsigned items.





Do you know your market?



12) Now that you have your venue and bands do you know where their audience hangs out?

a. This will be good to know for promotional use.



13) Are there any upcoming events in your area where you may be able to set up a table to promote your event?

a. Speakers on similar topics in which your event will be for.

b. Live music events

i. Artists who are supporters of your cause are generally receptive in permitting you to promote your upcoming event.

c. College campus events?



Promotion/Advertising:



Make a list of promotional avenues. Where do people hear about music, where do they hear about events such as the one you are putting together?



1) Press Release

a. Do you know how or do you have a volunteer that can put together a press release for you? This will come in handy for you throughout your process of putting together your event.



2) Radio

a. Contact your local radio DJs for possible radio promotion.

i. One of your bands/artists is being played on their station. If so, they may be interested in what cause that band/artist is backing.

ii. Radio stations will do on air performances with bands and on air interviews leading up to the event?

iii. Ticket giveaways to your event in co-op with a radio station are a good way to get people in the door, as well as advertise for your upcoming event.



3) Internet

a. There are websites a plenty for you to post your event on.

i. Myspace

ii. Craigslist (good resource to locate volunteers as well)

b. Search GOOGLE for your city and local websites of interest



4) News Paper

a. Local rags where local music listings are placed

i. Do you know someone at the paper, or maybe one of your bands/artists, or even one of your volunteers has a contact for this paper?

ii. Are they willing to do a write-up or place an ad for the benefit?



5) T.V. News

a. With a press release you can go to local news stations websites and send them an email. Use their story ideas links or news tips link.





Follow up:



Following up with people is very important.



1) Follow up with bands to confirm they will be on the bill and what time they will perform. Keeping everyone on the same page by corresponding with everyone ..s and changes leading up to your event.

2) Follow up with the venues and keep them in the loop once you received confirmation of event. Be sure to be very clear in your correspondence and keep all emails leading up to your event.



3) Follow up with your special guests and keep them in the loop with updates and changes leading up to date of event.



4) Follow up with your volunteers, keeping them in the loop with updates and changes to do with the event.



5) Follow up with donors who offer donations.



a. ALWAYS Thank folks who donate items to your benefits. Yes, this should be common sense, but it happens rarely.



b. When you have received items from donors (record labels, book authors, restaurants, etc.) be sure to let these folks know you have safely received the items with a Thank YOU letter. This letter will be used for tax purposes and is common courtesy.



6) Follow up with everyone who participated in your event or helped with your event (bands/artists, volunteers, radio, new, etc.). It's good to send everyone a follow up letter after the end of an event. Be sure to thank them and let them know how your event went. May be good in having a post-press release for this.





What to charge at the door? Well, that will depend on your line-up of bands/artists. How well are they known and what do these types of bands/artists generally ask for a show?



It's a good idea to have a higher price at the door (up to $3/$5 more). You could have cheaper ticket price for people who buy early (i.e. $15) At the door a sliding scale should be in place as well.



Be sure to have someone at your door that is NOT afraid to ask guests If they would like donate money towards the 'cause. You will generally get $5 - $20 more with this in place.



If you have special posters that were made for the event, you could also ask for donations for these posters.



If you gain access to a venue where you are in charge of having a bar, you will have to check with your cities requirements on how to obtain a liquor license.


If you have a non-profit organization you can obtain a license easier. If not, you will have to find a non-profit that would be willing to sponsor you.



When you purchase items for your bar be sure where you purchase your bar items (Costco, Sams, etc.) will take back items that are not used.



If you go this route and you are in charge of the bar, you will have to have volunteers you know and trust to run the bar. There is potential to make really good money doing this.



Be sure to hide any excess items so they are not opened and can be returned. <10>

THANK YOU LETTER EXAMPLE:

..:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" />





November 8, 2005



RE: Henry Rollins donation to the WM3 event: COWAPUNKA! 2005



Hi Henry,



I received the package sent for donation for my charity music event that's coming up in San Francisco on November 12, 2005 at Thee Parkside.



Donated items:

2 copies - autographed posters

2 copies – autographed books "Fanatic"

2 copies – Talk Is Cheap Vol. 4 CDs

2 copies – Shock & Awe The Tour DVD

This event, "COWAPUNKA!" will feature showings of Paradise Lost and Paradise Lost 2. Followed by a Q&A with one of the WM3 attorney's and special guest appearance by Jello Biafra. Several bands will perform in an effort to raise funds and awareness on the tragic case of the WM3.



Attached also is a page from our website (www.cowapunka.org), describing the event in detail.



Vela Entertainment truly appreciates your contribution. Thank you so much!



Sincerely,





Anje Vela

Vela Entertainment – President

A COWAPUNKA! Productions

(415) xxx-xxx

Chuck Prophet, Jello Biafra, and Other Artists to Come Together to Support Wrongfully Convicted Trio

West Memphis Three Awareness Day Will Attract Defenders from Around the Globe


July 11, 2005: San Francisco, Calif.—On July 23, 2005, Chuck Prophet and other artists will come together at The Swedish American Hall (2170 Market Street) at 6:30 p.m. for a night of acoustic music designed to raise money for the defense fund of Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr., and Jason Baldwin. The three Arkansas men, dubbed the West Memphis Three, were convicted of the 1993 murders of three elementary school children. Since their trials were chronicled by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky in the HBO documentary, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, a groundswell of support has formed around the Echols, Misskelley, and Baldwin—support that includes a wide array of artists such as Metallica, Henry Rollins, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Tom Waits, Winona Ryder, South Park creator Trey Parker, Art Alexakis of Everclear, and Chuck Prophet.


"You want to talk about the price of freedom? Not so fast, here's three boys who are serving life for the crime of nothing more than wearing Metallica t-shirts and a Stephen King novel under their beds," said Prophet. "Bottom line is, Damien Echols would not be sitting on death row if he wasn't poor. No one can argue that these boys never got a fair trial. You want to talk about justice? The fate of the West Memphis Three is a threat to justice everywhere."


Jello Biafra, former lead singer of the Dead Kennedys, is scheduled as a special guest speaker at the event. Biafra is no stranger to political activism: In 1986, the Dead Kennedys were forced to defend their right to free speech against obscenity charges and since the band split, Biafra has used his spoken word material to espouse his political views.


Other acts scheduled to perform at The Swedish American Hall on July 23 to raise money for the West Memphis Three's defense fund are MC Taylor, Kelley Stoltz, Stephanie Finch, Jonathan Richman, Dr. Frank, Paula Frazer, Knife and Fork, and Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon.


Kozelek said he has been a long-time supporter of the West Memphis Three and jumped at the opportunity to lend his musical talent to their cause.


"I usually don't get involved in a benefit unless the cause is really important to me. I've been following the case as much as I can since the HBO debut of Paradise Lost and I'm grateful to have this opportunity," said Kozelek. "These three guys are innocent, and unfortunately, represent just a few of thousands of people arrested, convicted, jailed, and sometimes executed for crimes they didn't commit. These kids are in prison for owning Aleister Crowley books, wearing Metallica t-shirts, and because of a coerced confession from a mentally handicapped teenager who just wanted a can of Coke. The sad thing is, there are many people in this same situation in jails and prisons all across the country because of prejudice—usually racial—and because of nothing to do with facts."


Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin—all teenagers at the time—were convicted in 1994 for the brutal murders of three eight-year-old boys (Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers) in West Memphis, Ark. Despite flimsy circumstantial evidence—the bulk of which centered on the trio's alleged involvement in a satanic cult—and a questionable and factually inaccurate confession extracted from mentally challenged Misskelley—the three have been serving stiff prison sentences for over a decade. Misskelley was sentenced to life plus 40 years, Baldwin is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, and Echols—who was deemed the ringleader of the attacks thanks to his love of black clothing and Metallica—is currently on death row as he waits for the outcome of his appeals.


In addition to a night of live music, the event will also offer attendees the opportunity to bid on a variety of artist-donated items that will be auctioned to support the West Memphis Three. Among the items up for sale are a commemorative poster designed by Sean Odell (to be signed by all of the artists performing at the event), an autographed guitar from the Counting Crows, and CDs courtesy of Anti Records, New West Records, Lookout Records, Jackpine Social Club, Steve Earle, Y & T, Michael Franti, and Scissor Sisters, among others.


Events to raise money for the West Memphis Three's defense fund are scheduled to take place in over 50 cities all over the world. For more information on these events, and the West Memphis Three's case, log on to www.wm3.org.


For more information on the San Francisco fundraiser, please contact at (415) xxx-xxxx.



Post Press Release example:

For Immediate Release

Jello Biafra and Other Artists Bring In Over $6K for Wrongfully-Convicted Trio
Last month's West Memphis Three Awareness Day event raised both funds and awareness


August 04, 2005: San Francisco, Calif.-On July 23, 2005 Jello Biafra and other artists came together at The Swedish American Music Hall (2170 Market Street) for a night of music designed to raise money for the defense fund of Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr., and Jason Baldwin. The three Arkansas men, dubbed the West Memphis Three, were convicted of the 1993 murders of three elementary school children. Since their trials were chronicled by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky in the HBO documentary Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, a groundswell of support has formed around the Echols, Misskelley, and Baldwin-support that includes a wide array of artists such as Metallica, Henry Rollins, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Tom Waits, Winona Ryder, South Park creator Trey Parker, and Art Alexakis of Everclear.

Artists Speak Out

Jello Biafra, former lead singer of the Dead Kennedys, made a statement at the event condemning the evidence that convicted the West Memphis Three, as well as the system that allowed it to happen.

"Some people say to me, what are you doing defending these guys in Arkansas? They're a bunch of stoners who chopped up little kids for Satan and stuff! And I say, well, okay I wasn't there, I'm not 100 percent sure the West Memphis Three are innocent, but even so, isn't there something in the constitution about people have to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt?" said Biafra. "If they're guilty, prove it this time. Prove it for real. No matter how law and order you are, wouldn't it be better to catch the right person before it happens to another kid?"

Biafra is no stranger to political activism: In 1986, the Dead Kennedys were forced to defend their right to free speech against obscenity charges and since the band split, he has used his spoken word material to espouse his political views.

A staunch opponent of the death penalty, Biafra added, "I have been militantly, vehemently against the death penalty for one simple reason: What if they've got the wrong person? This could happen to me; what if they've got the wrong person?"

Other artists that performed at the event expressed similar sentiments. Laurie Hall of Knife and Fork said that when the band was booked to perform at the event, she wasn't aware of the case, but after renting the movies, she was "shocked and amazed and mortified" by what she learned. "I'm very happy to be doing this to raise the awareness because mine was raised," said Hall.

Kelley Stoltz also saw the Paradise Lost documentaries and felt moved to act: "I had just seen the movies and learned a bit about the case through those and through their Web site and I'm not convinced that any of those guys are guilty. It's pretty obvious to me that justice is not being served. I'm just here to raise some money by doing whatever I can" he said.

In addition to Biafra, Knife and Fork, and Stoltz, the evening's stellar line-up included Dr. Frank, Paula Frazer, Stephanie Finch, Jonathan Richman, Chuck Prophet and Mark Kozelek.

Future Fundraising

Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin-all teenagers at the time-were convicted in 1994 for the brutal murders of three eight-year-old boys (Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers) in West Memphis, Ark. Despite flimsy circumstantial evidence-the bulk of which centered around the trio's alleged involvement in a satanic cult-and a questionable and factually inaccurate confession extracted from mentally challenged Misskelley-the three have been serving stiff prison sentences for over a decade. Misskelley was sentenced to life plus 40 years, Baldwin is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, and Echols-who was deemed the ringleader of the attacks thanks to his love of black clothing and Metallica-is currently on death row as he waits for the outcome of his appeals.

Event organizer Anje Vela, president of Vela Entertainment said she is pleased by its success and is in the midst of planning a fundraising effort for next year's West Memphis Three Awareness Day.

"I am happy to say that we will be donating over $6,000.00 from this sold out show to the defense fund of death row victim Damien Echols. We had avid supporters in the room and folks who didn't know why they were there, other than to hear one of their favorite talents. It was definitely a night of raising funds and awareness for the West Memphis Three." said Vela. "I hope to see Damien, Jessie and Jason exonerated from being held down from nothing more than their choice of clothing, reading materials or association of friendships."

For information on West Memphis Three World Awareness Day 2006, or to volunteer, please contact x at (415) xxx-xxxx.





















































EXAMPLE:The line-up is as follows:
7:35-7:55
8:00-8:25
8:30-8:55
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:00
10:05-10:30
10:35-11:00
11:05-11:30


And BTW: hats off to our man Sean Odell who designed an extremely cool
commemorative poster especially for the event. Be sure to pick one up.
===========================================================
FAQ for performers on July 23, 2005:
What is this event about? The event you are participating in is to raise funds and awareness for the West Memphis Three. You can find out more about this case/cause by visiting the WM3 official website: http://www.wm3.org

Where: The Swedish American Music Hall in SF
Cost: $12.00 with sliding scale donations/$15.00 at door
Directions: http://www.cafedunord.com/?page=directions
Doors: 6:30PM

Will there be a sound check for this event? No. This will be a walk up and play situation with no sound checks.

What time is Load-in? 5:45 PM if you need to arrive sooner Anje will be at the Swedish Hall by 4:30PM. Anje's cell phone: 415-xxx-xxxx.

What is expected of us? To have fun and perform your time slot, and clear the stage as quickly as you can after your performance.

Photography documentation. There will be photographers at this event as well. The photographers are documenting the World Awareness Day with volunteers, performers, and audience. These will be digital images. If you want a copy of these images, please contact Anje
or call 415-xxx-xxxx and we will arrange for you to get the images on disc. If you are uncomfortable in having your photo taken you can also alert me of this so I can be sure to alert our photographers.

Will we get comp tickets? Yes, we will be giving only one (1) comp ticket per person. Remember... we are raising funds for the defense fund for the West Memphis Three. We really appreciate your willingness to participate in such an important event.

Please send Anje your comp person's full name to be on the list.

The above is an example of what is sent out to artists. This was for an acoustic show. Example of line-up times and FAQ artists may have are answered in this message.





All information provided by Anje Vela President of Vela Entertainment and President of non-profit organization Music4Life



NOTE: For a formated copy, which looks better please email velaentertainment@yahoo.com "Bratty Mama Leci"



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Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:18 pm

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Scientists are building database of bite marks


Scientists are building database of bite marks
By TODD RICHMOND – 1 hour ago

MILWAUKEE (AP) — It has sent innocent men to death row, given defense attorneys fits and splintered the scientific community. For a decade now, attorneys and even some forensic experts have ridiculed the use of bite marks to identify criminals as sham science and glorified guesswork.

Now researchers at Marquette University say they have developed a first-of-its kind computer program that can measure bite characteristics. They say their work could lead to a database of bite characteristics that could narrow down suspects and lend more scientific weight to bite-mark testimony.

"The naysayers are saying, ..You can throw all this out. It's junk science. It's voodoo. This is a bunch of boobs that are causing a lot of problems and heartaches for people,'" said team leader Dr. L. Thomas Johnson, a forensic dentist who helped identify victims of the cannibalistic Milwaukee serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. "It's a valid science if it's done properly."

Skeptics already are taking shots.

"Scientifically illiterate," Dr. Mike Bowers, a deputy medical examiner in Ventura County, Calif., and a member of the American Board of Forensic Odontology, said of Johnson's work.

Built around the assumption that every person's teeth are unique, forensic dentistry has used bite impressions to identify criminals for 40 years. Bite marks on a young woman helped convict serial killer Ted Bundy of murdering her and another college student.

But critics say human skin changes and distorts imprints until they are nearly unrecognizable. As a result, courtroom experts end up offering competing opinions.

"If the discipline lends itself to opposing experts, it's not science," said Peter Neufeld, co-director of the Innocence Project, which works to free wrongfully convicted inmates.

Since 2000, at least seven people in five states who were convicted largely on bite-mark identification have been exonerated, according to the Innocence Project.

In Arizona, Ray Krone was found guilty in 1992 of killing a Phoenix bartender based largely on expert testimony that his teeth matched bites on the victim. He was sentenced to death, won a new trial on procedural grounds, was convicted again and got life. But DNA testing in 2002 proved he wasn't the killer. Krone was freed and won a spot on the ABC reality show "Extreme Makeover" to remake his teeth.

In Mississippi, forensic odontologist Dr. Michael West has come under fire after he testified in two child rape-murders in the 1990s that bite marks positively identified each killer. Kennedy Brewer was sentenced to death in one case, and Levon Brooks got life in prison in the other.

DNA tests later connected a third man to one of the rapes, and investigators say he confessed to both murders. In Brewer's case, a panel of experts concluded that the bites on the victim probably came from insects. Brewer and Brooks were exonerated earlier this year.

Determined to prove that bite analysis can be done scientifically, Johnson and his team won about $110,000 in grants from the Midwest Forensic Resources Center at Iowa State University and collected 419 bite impressions from Wisconsin soldier volunteers.

They built a computer program to catalog characteristics, including tooth widths, missing teeth and spaces between teeth. The program then calculated how frequently — or infrequently — each characteristic appeared.

He hopes to collect more impressions from dental schools across the country to expand the database into something close to law enforcement's DNA databanks. With enough samples, the software could help forensic dentists answer questions in court about how rarely a dental characteristic appears in the American population. That would help exclude or include defendants as perpetrators, Johnson said.

He acknowledged that his software will probably never turn bite-mark analysis into a surefire identifier like DNA and that he would need tens of thousands of samples before his work would stand up in court.

But "this is the first step toward actually providing science for this type of pattern analysis," Johnson said.

Bowers, who often testifies for the defense in criminal cases, said Johnson should instead study how skin changes can distort bite marks.

Dr. David Sweet, a forensic dentist at the University of British Columbia, said he has been working on a database similar to Johnson's for the past decade. He said he has offered Johnson casts and reproductions of the hundreds of bite impressions he is making.

Dr. Robert Barsley, a Louisiana State University dental professor and vice president of the American Academy of Forensic Science, said he, too, would send Johnson hundreds of bite impressions.

"His work could certainly be a benefit," Barsley said. "I don't think it will solve the problem, but it would be a step in the right direction."

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Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:43 pm

Overview and Video on Recent Events:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/ra_robi6.htm 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



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Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:46 pm

Defense Theory

New evidence in the Damien Echols case disputes Satanic ritual theory.
BY BIANCA PHILLIPS | NOVEMBER 15, 2007

During the 1994 trials of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Misskelley Jr. — collectively known as the West Memphis Three — there was a mystery that neither the prosecution nor the defense could explain.

Though the penis of Christopher Byers, one of three 8-year-old boys found hog-tied and murdered in a West Memphis ditch in 1993, was removed, there was no blood found at the scene.

In a 500-plus page document filed with the court October 29th, Echols' defense team attempts to explain the lack of blood. It also reports DNA results of hair and other material found at the crime scene.

"People look at this terrible genital injury and say, where's all the blood?" said Dennis Riordan, a San Francisco-based attorney who took Echols' case in May 2004. "But if [Byers] drowned before he was subjected to this wound, it wouldn't bleed."

The document suggests that the boys were drowned in a creek, and then an animal, perhaps a dog or raccoon, removed Byers' penis.

"Have you ever been at the scene where a dog has killed a person? There's no blood because, for the animal, that's the whole point," Riordan says.

Forensic pathology studies show that other wounds on the boys are consistent with those caused by animal claws and teeth.


During the trials, the prosecution suggested the murders of Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore were part of a Satanic ritual led by Echols. He was given the death penalty. Baldwin and Misskelley were both sentenced for life.

In July, news broke that DNA tests had linked hair in a shoelace used to hog-tie the boys to Terry Hobbs, Branch's stepfather. Another hair found on a nearby tree stump was linked to Hobbs' friend, David Jacoby.

In 2003, Echols' lawyers began DNA tests on existing evidence. Arkansas did not allow DNA testing on closed cases until 2001.

According to Gabe Holstrom, spokesperson for Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, it could take months for the state to study the report.

"While the state will look at the new allegations and evidence objectively, it stands behind the conviction of Echols and that of his co-defendants," Holstrom said.

Since the papers were filed in Echols' case, a new trial for Echols would not necessarily mean a new trial for Baldwin or Misskelley.

"But," Riordan says, "it would have a tremendous effect on what the state decides to do with the other two." "Bratty Mama Leci"



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Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:56 pm

MUSIC PROJECT IN MINNESOTA

****MUSIC PROJECT HERE IN MINNESOTA

The Quincy Punx, a well respected punk rock band here in Minnesota are allowing other bands to record and cover one of their songs. All proceeds from the sale of this future double record will be donated to the defense fund for the West Memphis Three.

Band Inquiries contact Mike
mikeqp666@yahoo.com
Suggestive contributions are $20
The band must cover a Quncy Punx song for the record.
----------------------------
Recorded from The Triple Rock Social Club.
----------------------------
-New Evidence
-Change of Minds
-Sloppy Investigations
-Donate to the Defense Fund

-MUSIC PLAYED-

THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES
A BLANK THEORY
RISE ABOVE
HILLBILLY VOODOO DOLLS

PROGRAMMING IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The Triple Rock Social Club
http://www.triplerocksocialclub.com

Rift Magazine
http://www.riftmagazine.com

Rockwatch.org
http://www.rockwatch.org

Garagerock101
http://www.garagerock101.net

COMMENT LINE
206-338-5643
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Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:17 pm

Modern DNA analysis

Critical biological samples were taken from the victims, from suspects and from the collected evidence. The appeals attorney petitioned the courts to have DNA testing performed on this case evidence. The state and the appeals attorneys agreed to examine the following evidence.

Samples from the victims and their clothes.

Routine fingernail scraping from each victim that may or not have tissue from the perpetrator (each hand samples saved separately, three victims for six evidence samples).
Ligatures from each of the three victims
Tissue, skin or hair samples obtained from the ligatures of each victim.
Swabs taken from each victim.
Cuttings from blue jeans.
Cuttings from blue pants.
Anomalous hairs taken from the victims.

Two Caucasian hairs removed from Moore.
Dyed hair removed from Moore.
Hair found on Byers' body
Hair on lower body, Byers
Hair, perineum, Byers
Two dark Caucasian hairs removed from Branch.
Although all hairs from the ligatures were requested as mentioned above, specific hairs were also requested from the bindings Moore and Byers ligatures.
Anomalous hairs from clothing and fabrics in contact with the children and the crime scene.

Negroid hair removed from white sheet 1.
Hair from blue pants.
Hair from Scout cap.
Hair on tree stump (crime scene)
And, finally, other items.

Bag of clothing, area of homicide.
Hair from two knives from Richard Cummings.
Hair from knife from Jason Crosby/Richard Appling.
Wooden stick, crime scene.
Biological specimens were also obtained from 44 other suspects and family members for matches or exclusion. These samples can be tested by the modern DNA techniques of STR fingerprinting and mtDNA. The results can then compared to known samples from the children, the convicted and others to determine the source.

STR Fingerprinting

Along with the meaningful DNA that encodes for physical traits, we have a lot of "junk DNA," strings of repeating patterns and filler material. STR stands for short terminal repeating sections, and this area of DNA represents a pattern, 2 to 7 letters long that repeats itself many times. How many times varies between people. Any given STR sequence is about as good as HLA DQalpha technique for determining relatedness. Fortunately, there are such sequences of each chromosome, each with its own length. By testing nine of these sites on different chromosomes you get a one in a billion unique signature. Nine sites as standards are used by the military for paternity matters. Thirteen sites are commonly used for forensic tests and for the CODIS database.

To perform STR analysis, you divide up a sample for separate PCR reactions. Each yields a product of a specific length of DNA, the length determined by the number of repeats within the sequence. These are then run on a gel to determine the exact length of each sequence. Again a specific stepladder-like pattern of DNA pieces with different lengths can be compared to a source sample.

Presented below are six STR loci, using the analogies of sentences. The various sequences "yada_yada," "etc_etc_etc" are present in differing amount of copies among individuals.

Suspect A

Site_one_yada_yada_yada_yada_yada_yada_site_one_end (51 characters)
Site_two_oy_oy_oy_oy_site_two_end (33 characters)
Site_three_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_site_three_end (49 characters)
Site_four_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_site_four_end (53 characters)
Site_five_whatsit_whatsit_whatsit_whatsit_whatsit_whatsit_site_five_end (65 characters)
Site_six_booga_booga_booga_booga_booga_booga_site_six_end (57 characters)

Suspect B

Site_one_yada_yada_yada_yada_site_one_end (41 characters)
Site_two_oy_oy_oy_oy_oy_oy_oy_oy_site_two_end (45 characters)
Site_three_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_huh_site_three_end (57 characters)
Site_four_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_ooga_site_four_end (53 characters)
Site_five_whatsit_site_five_end (30 characters)
Site_six_booga_booga_booga_booga_site_six_end (45 characters)

The first PCR reaction makes copies of the DNA beginning with the sequence "site_one" through "site_one_end" and the other reactions proceed with "site_#" through "site_#_end." The DNA products are separated on a gel. The results appear something like this.




STR products separated on a gel extending the above analogy using sentence fragments.
In this case the sample from the crime scene matches suspect A.


Matching a sample to a known suspect is not the only way to find the source of the DNA evidence. The United States has a database of gene sequences known as CODIS. If the suspect is arrested in another crime that requires his or her DNA to be examined it can be matched. Or, if an evidence from another crime scene is taken, the DNA can be sequenced and entered into the database thus linking two crimes.

With high sensitivity and an excellent ability to discriminate among all but identical twins, is STR fingerprinting the perfect method? With 13 sites needing to be amplified contamination of multiple runs would be necessary for the results to lead to a false identification. However, contamination of a small portion of the runs could result in a missed identification.
A one in a trillion chance of matching doesn't mean a trillion to one odds that a person is guilty. Samples are still vulnerable to human errors and faults include mislabelling and evidence falsification. In regards to the latter, there are examples where suspects have gone out of their way to make sure a wrong sample is provided.

Cross-section of a cell. The purple bodies are mitochondria.

Mitochondrial DNA

Mitochondria are small bodies that exist inside of cells and provide the cell's energy. They have their own DNA and divide. The process of making spermatazoa eliminates mitochondria from the sperm cells, all of our mitochondrial genes are inherited from the egg cells of our mothers. Mitochondrial DNA is small by comparison to nuclear DNA - only 16,000 "letters."

In the case of mtDNA, two highly variable regions are sequenced. This results in the entire area of DNA "spelled out." The forensic scientist then compares the suspect sample to the evidence sample. The analysis can be a bit complex, but when the sequences are identical they are determined to be a match. The FBI does not provide official statistics on how unlikely it is that two unrelated people would have the same type of mtDNA. The odds are probably greater than a thousand to one. If people are related through the same mother (or maternal grandmother and so on through the maternal line) they will have the same mtDNA.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to the use of mtDNA. Some samples can not be analyzed using STR or other nuclear DNA fingerprinting methods because they only have mtDNA. These may include hair shafts, bones and teeth. Also, since cells have multiple mitochondria, this method is better able to find DNA in minute or highly degraded samples. The disadvantages are the lack of resolution among related individuals and the smaller number of mtDNA samples entered into the SORIS database. While some think of mtDNA as the method used when only hair samples are available, the root of hairs have nuclear DNA and STR fingerprinting is also an option.



MtDNA inheritance across three generations.
Individuals with the same colored circles share the same mtDNA.
Although many have the same mtDNA, even maternal half-siblings,
there are still eight mtDNA types represented among these 21 individuals.




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Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:17 pm

Results of the DNA tests

The DNA results have been officially released. In a recent DNA Status Report, the DNA did not match any of those in prison for the crime. Almost all of the DNA from the crime scene matched the victims. Hairs that previously had been found "microscopically similar" to those of Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin did not come from them. The Status Report went on to say, "Although most of the genetic material recovered from the scene was attributable to the victims of the offenses, some of it cannot be attributed to either the victims or the defendants." [DNA Status Report, July 17, 2007] More tests are going to be performed to compare the unknown DNA to additional suspects.

One hair, described as being beneath the binding of victim Michael Moore, came from Terry Hobbs - the stepfather of the victim, Stevie Branch. Stevie Branch's mother, Pamela Hobbs, has come out in favor of a retrial and says she believes her ex-husband may have committed the crime. The Hobbs have had a rocky marital history capped by Terry Hobbs shooting Pamela's brother in November, 1994.

Terry Hobbs accused the defense attorneys of planting the evidence - and said it was normal transfer.


Hobbs said he believes the DNA results are the work of "crooked defense attorneys ... trying to get their killer SOBs out of jail.''
"It ain't gonna work,'' said Hobbs, now a salesman at a North Memphis building supply company. He said a private detective working for defense lawyers told him one of his hairs was found on a shoelace used to tie up one of the murdered boys.
"That's understandable,'' said Hobbs. "All three of them boys used to come play at my house.'' [Commercial Appeal, July 20, 2007]

Mike Allen, in 1993 a West Memphis police officer and the discoverer of victim Michael Moore, and now assistant chief of police, said the DNA news is "nothing earth-shattering." [ibid] In another interview, he went on to say, "If you test my clothes, you're going to find trace DNA evidence from my wife, my son, my black Lab and my brown Lab. . . In 1993, Terry Hobbs wasn't a suspect, and he's not a suspect in 2007." [West Memphis Evening Times, July 23, 2007]

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Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:17 pm

Summary of DNA evidence.

On July 7, 2004, Bode Laboratories of Springfield, Virginia received evidence items for DNA testing. These items were numbered in a series "2S04-114" from 01 to 36. Although 36 items are listed, many of these represented multiple samples. In the extreme case, 26 hairs found on Chris Byers comprised item #11 and were identified as 11A to 11Z.

Samples included:

From victims:
Swabs from each of the three victims from their mouths, rectums, and nasal passages, swabs from Moore's and Branch's penises, and scrapings from each victims' left and right hand fingernails.
Possible tissue from ligatures of each victim and a "red-brown stained string" from Stevie Branch.
Hairs from Michael Moore's ligature (described as 3 hairs on two slides).
Hair from Stevie Branch's ligature.
Hair from Chris Byers' ligature.
Dark Caucasian hairs from Stevie Branch. (described as 3 hairs on two slides)
Hair from the lower body of Chris Byers.
Hair from the "perineum of Chris Byers ligature." (sic)
Hairs found on Chris Byers (slide with 26 hairs).
The ligatures from each of the three victims.
From morgue sheets:
Slide with nine hairs including one described as a Negroid hair fragment and one described as animal hair from white sheet used to cover Chris Byers.
Dyed hair from white sheet used to cover Stevie Branch.
From victims' clothes:
Hair from blue pants (E3) (slide with 2 hairs)
Hair from Scout cap (E5) (slide with 2 hairs)
Cutting from blue pants.
Cutting from blue jeans.
From recovery area:
Hair from tree stump.
Bag with clothing and miscellaneous items found near crime scene.
Three tree branches (identified as E17)
Knives:
E27 - Hair from Richard Cummings knife.
E28 - Hair from Richard Cummings knife.
E126 - Hair from knife seized at Domini Teer's residence.
E147 - Two hairs from knife found at school.
E178 - Kershaw knife from Byers household. (blade, handle and hinge tested).
The initial items did not include reference DNA from the victims or from those in prison, precluding the possibility of contamination from reference samples. Samples from Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were received on October 12, 2006. Samples from the victims were received on April 5, 2007.

Forty of the above items and subitems were sent for STR (nuclear DNA) testing as were the reference samples. Samples from swabs were divided into sperm fraction and non-sperm fraction before PCR analysis. This does definitively identify sperm as a source for the sample results, but can clarify trace sperm material separate from victim DNA if sperm is present.

Results from the STR analyses:

Significant samples with no results or no reportable STR results.

The Kershaw knife.
Hair from Stevie Branch's ligature (also described as skin, tissue, hair from ligature).
Several swab fractions.
Cutting from blue pants.
Razor blades from bag at crime scene.
Most nail scrapings (exceptions listed below).
Most ligatures (exceptions listed below).
Hairs 18E, F and I from white sheet.
03B Hair from M. Moore ligature.
20B Hair from E3 (blue pants).
Finding #1. The victims' DNA matched most evidence samples.

The STR (nuclear DNA) attempted to amplify either 13 or 14 sites and determined sex. Because of the number of reactions and the age of the samples, the only samples that amplified at all sites were those with larger quantities of source material. Specifically, most of the swabs from the victims (oral, penile, rectal and nasal) had complete amplification. For each victim at these sites, the nuclear DNA was their own. The "red-brown stained string" from Stevie Branch also had complete amplification and the DNA matched his own.

Partial STR (4 or more sites) amplifications were achieved from other evidence samples. These are sufficient to exclude other sources and indicate whether the DNA was consistent with the reference DNA. Several of the swabs and their fractions fell into this category. In each case, the DNA belonged to the victim. The three hairs (of the collection of 26) that were found on Chris Byers were consistent with Chris Byers DNA. The right hand nail scrapings from Chris Byers were also consistent with his DNA (6 out of 6 site matches). Stevie Branch's ligatures matched at five sites with Stevie Branch's DNA and had a single additional band (described below).

Partial STR (less than 4 reportable sites) was achieved from several of the swabs, two fingernail scrapings and the ligatures. These were consistent with the victims with additional bands being found in the sperm fraction of Stevie Branch's penile swab, in the combined left and right nail scrapings of Michael Moore (described as possibly below detection limit), and the nonsperm fraction of the penile swab from Michael Moore.

Finding #2. None of the DNA profiles were consistent with those imprisoned.

The STR was only able to resolve at multiple sites for a limited number of samples, but none of these were consistent with those in prison, beyond genes that matched the victims. The results were more profound for the mitochondrial DNA where complete resolution took place in 26 of 29 samples - none of which corresponded to those in prison (nor did the two with partial resolution).

Finding #3. Several samples had "mixed results."

The following evidence samples produced DNA from more than one source. In each case, one source was consistent with being the victim, with an additional band or bands being from another source. The fact that these were few bands suggests presence at the lower limit of detection. The presence of additional bands from Moore's and Branch's penis is suggestive of perpetrator contact with the penis. The additional band in Moore's fingernails may be related to the killer as he had the clearest defensive wounds.

Being a single locus in each case, it is inadequate to use to determine with confidence a specific source and in all but one case these bands could have come from sample contamination between victims. For example, transfer of a small amount of blood between victims as they were taken from the water. Alternatively, they could have come from the perpetrator. Band 8 (locus D16S539) was not present in any of the other victims or those imprisoned. Two of the mixed results came from penile swabs, suggestive of criminal contact.

Mixed results:

A single additional band, not matching Stevie Branch's DNA, was present on the amplified extract from the mix of Branch's left and right ligatures. D5S818, band 11.
Two bands, not matching Stevie Branch's DNA, were present on the sperm fraction from the penile swab. D16S539, bands 8, 11.
A single additional band, not matching Michael Moore's DNA, was present in the combined left and right nail scrapings from Michael Moore. D5S818, band 10.
A single additional band, not matching Michael Moore's DNA, was present in the nonsperm fraction from the penile swab on Michael Moore. D5S818, band 12.
Mitochondrial DNA results.

Almost all human cell types have hundreds of copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This allows mDNA to achieve test results when nuclear DNA tests fail. Hair shafts only have mtDNA, no nuclear DNA.

Twenty-nine of the above items, all hairs, were tested for mtDNA as were the reference samples. Two samples had partial results. One sample 20A (one of the hairs from the blue pants) did not have a reportable sequence. The other 26 had full mtDNA results.

Samples 03B (one hair from Michael Moore ligature) and 21A (hair from scout cap) were consistent with the mtDNA of Michael Moore.

Samples 08A, 08Ba, and 08Bb, three hairs found on Stevie Branch, were consistent with the mtDNA of Stevie Branch.

Samples 11B, 11C, 11P, 11Q, 11V, 11Z (six of a set of 26 hairs found on Chris Byers), 14 (hair from lower body of Chris Byers), 17 (partial sequence, hair from perineum of Chris Byers), 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18H, 18I (7 hairs from morgue sheet) and 20B (hair from blue pants) are consistent with the mtDNA of Chris Byers.

The following samples each had different individual profiles, not matching the victims or those in prison:

03Aa (Hair from Michael Moore ligature)
15 (Hair from Chris Byers ligature)
18A (Negroid hair fragment, morgue sheet)
21B (Second hair from scout cap) (only partial sequence available)
23 (Hair from tree stump)
27 (Dyed hair from sheet used to cover Chris Byers)
The hair from Michael Moore ligature was later found to match the mtDNA profile of Terry Hobbs. The hair from the tree stump was later found to match the mtDNA profile of David Jacoby (friend of Terry Hobbs).

Item 15, a hair from Chris Byers ligature, was successfully sequenced but a match has not been found (or named). The origin of the dyed hair, the Negroid hair, and an additional hair from the Cub Scout cap are also undetermined.

Two items which failed STR analysis can still be examined by mtDNA. These are the hair/tissue from Stevie Branch's ligature (#09) and the cutting from the blue pants (#25).

Serological Research Institute.

Fourteen items have been received and processed at the Serological Research Institute (SERI), Richmond, California, as of October 2007. The identities and results from items 1 through 7 are not presented in the appeal documents. Items 8 through 14 were cigarette butts gathered from the home of Terry Hobbs, a swab from Terry Hobbs, cigarette butts from David Jacoby, and hair and a cheek swab from David Jacoby.

The cigarette butts from the front yard and ashtray of Terry Hobbs provided a mtDNA profile. There was one nucleotide difference between the hair in the ligature (#03Aa) and the mtDNA profile of Terry Hobbs. This can be due to "heteroplasmy" a natural variation in mtDNA within a person. The report also said there was a polymorphism at one site.

Similarly, the cigarette butts and cheek swab from David Jacoby displayed one nucleotide difference between the hair at the tree stump. This can also be due to a natural variation in mtDNA within a person.

The swab from Terry Hobbs and the cigarette butts from his driveway were not successfully clarified. The hair from Jacoby was saved for possible future testing.

Summary.

The DNA results so far are tantalizing. The hair from Michael Moore's binding is consistent with Terry Hobbs being the source. The hair from the stump is also consistent with David Jacoby being the source. Jacoby has stated he was not in this area during the search. Both of these sequences have at least one nucleotide difference from their respective matched samples - explainable by heteroplasmy and diminishing the statistical power of the conclusions.

The source of several hairs can provide additional answers, particularly matching the successfully amplified DNA found beneath Chris Byers ligature.

Nowhere has it been mentioned in the appeals documents that DNA has been tested for any other prime suspects. The samples of DNA from Terry Hobbs were surreptitiously obtained. A formal and larger sample could bring clearer results.

Items not tested by STR or mtDNA.

03Ab Hair from ligature of M. Moore.
04 Possible tissue from ligature from M. Moore.
11 Hairs found on C. Byers body. 26 hairs found, 10 were tested.
16 not tested: 11A. 11D through 11O. 11U, 11W, 11X.
16 Possible tissue from C. Byers ligature.
18 Hairs from white sheet. 9 hairs found, all but one tested.
18G Described as animal hair.
22 Hair from knife. (E126 - seized from Domini Teer's residence)
24 Two hairs from knife. (E147 - knife found at school)
26 Cutting from jeans.
28 Hair from knife. (Cummings knife)
29 Hair from butterfly knife (Cummings knife)
30 Hair from folding knife (E134 - knife from Principal Heath, found at school)
32 Items from bag of clothing
32A Pair of white socks.
32B Leather (or vinyl) pull tab of unknown origin.
32C Plastic bag "Time Saver"
32D Tan button down shirt.
32E Black thermal shirt.
32F Cargo style jeans.
36 Three tree branches.






http://www.jivepuppi.com/DNA_results_part_four.html 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:26 pm

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Anyone in the following areas want to help with a WM3 WAD event?


Hello Folks,

Looking for folks in San Antonio, TX, New Jersey, Portland, OR, and Philadelphia, PA that would be interested in helping with an event in your area. Volunterring or whatever you can help with...I can connect you to an organizer and see how things can come together.

Thanks.

Please send an email to velaentertainment @ yahoo.com if you are interested in helping in one of these cities.


WM3 World Awareness Day is quickly approaching. May 30th – June 3rd, 2008 are the dates for the annual event.


June 3rd, 2008 will mark the 15-year anniversary Damien Echols was arrested along with Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin dubbing them the West Memphis Three.

Let us know what you are doing for the WM3 World Awarenes Day.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41045221&blogID=395547632 		"Bratty Mama Leci"



Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11754
Location: Kentucky
Obscuregawdess PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 5:32 pm

Ex-FBI agent sees 1 killer in slayings

BY CATHY FRYE

Posted on Friday, November 2, 2007

The slayings of three West Memphis boys weren’t the work of three unsophisticated teenage killers, but that of a single person who set out to taunt and “punish” the victims, contends John Douglas, a former longtime FBI criminal profiler.

That person would have known both the children and the area in which their bodies were found on May 6, 1993, said Douglas, who was part of a four-member panel hosted Thursday by Damien Echols ’ defense team at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Echols, now 32, was one of three teenagers convicted in 1994 of killing three 8-year-old boys: Steve Branch, Chris Byers and Michael Moore. Echols, who was tried with Jason Baldwin, was sentenced to death. Baldwin, now 29, received a life term, as did Jessie Misskelley, now 32.

Monday, Echols’ attorneys filed a second amended petition for writ of habeas corpus, arguing that new DNA and other forensic evidence has failed to link the three convicted men to either the crime scene or the victims.

Rather, they said, the findings of six forensic pathologists and odontologists — which include unknown genetic material on Steve Branch’s penis — suggest the boys were killed by someone else.

The Arkansas attorney general’s office, which will oversee the state’s response to Echols’ petition, issued a statement Tuesday, saying a response may be some time in coming because the agency “is seeing many of these allegations and supporting exhibits for the very first time.”

The statement continued: “While the State will look at the new allegations and evidence objectively, it stands behind the conviction of Mr. Echols and that of his codefendants and does not anticipate a reversal of the juries’ verdicts.”

Defense attorneys, riding the momentum of national media attention to Monday’s federal court filing in the Eastern District of Arkansas, hosted a discussion panel Thursday so their experts could explain their testing and results in more detail.

Douglas, who interviewed the country’s most prolific serial killers during his years with the FBI, is known for developing profiles to help police in their searches for violent criminals. He was joined by three other panelists: forensic pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz, who testified in music producer Phil Spector’s trial; Dr. Richard Souviron, a Florida odontologist who matched serial killer Ted Bundy’s teeth to one of the victims in the Chi Omega killings; and Thomas Fedor, a California forensic serologist, a blood specialist.

The three scientists offered more details about the new forensic and DNA evidence, with Spitz and Souviron criticizing the state’s medical examiner. The two also said there’s no evidence that a knife, serrated or otherwise, was used in the killings. They contend all three boys drowned and that animals later preyed on the bodies, leaving behind numerous claw and bite marks.

During their presentation, close-up photos of what Spitz said were claw marks were displayed on a large screen.

“When these pictures came to me, I couldn’t understand what the issue was about because it was so obvious,” Spitz said.

He added: “None of these injuries occurred during life.”

Souviron, the odontologist, also said he saw no evidence that a knife had been used on the boys. The wounds were shallow, surface ones, he said. “Why, if you were using a knife, would you scrape with it ? C’mon. You stab with a knife.”

Chris Byers’ genital injuries, he said, were the result of “degloving” — when an animal removes skin and tissue from an area of a body.

There’s no evidence any of the boys were sodomized, the panelists agreed.

Souviron called prosecutors ’ theory regarding knives and satanism a “ridiculous assertion,” adding, “To sell that to a jury was unconscionable.”

Kermit Channell, director of the state Crime Laboratory, said he couldn’t discuss the specifics of the defense’s petition.

The advances in science and technology will result in an increasing number of cases in which old evidence is retested, he said. “That’s something that is good. You need to do that on historic cases.”

He added: “We have been open with any information or materials we have. We are impartial. We’re not there for either side of the fence.”

New technology, expected to be available soon, will be used to test genetic material found on Steve Branch’s penis, Fedor said. The amount found was too minute for current methods of identifying DNA, he added.

Fedor suggested this might lead to new and unexpected developments in the coming months. Recent tests already have possibly linked two hairs — one found in Michael Moore’s ligature and another on a tree stump — to Steve Branch’s former stepfather, Terry Hobbs. The second hair came from a friend who was visited by Hobbs the evening the boys disappeared, attorneys say.

Douglas, the last to speak Thursday, said he has interviewed Hobbs twice. Knowing what he knows now, Douglas said he would have “put [Hobbs ] on the front burner back then.”

Attempts to reach Hobbs ha