LordYogg · 4 September 2026 · Chapter 999999: Post Script
Yeah this was a sad sad case. I've waffled back and forth but it's pretty clear that the "satan worship" was a load of crap, and Jessie's many confessions were riddled with flaws.
Murder Most Foul by Larner
Reviews (92)
NotACat · 29 May 2015 · Chapter 26: Epilogue--A Package from the Shire
Outstanding again, thank you!
Author's reply
And thank you! The deaths of Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Steve Branch were so terrible, but the injustice offered to their memory in the persecution of Damien Echols, Jessie Miskelley, and Jason Baldwin has to be one of the most indecent miscarriages of justice in the history of U.S. Justice. Thank you so very much for your feedback. The case has been so dear to my heart, and I only hope that my story helps us all examine our own prejudices so that we do not allow them to color our judgments in the future. I felt I had to honor all who suffered in this case as I could, and I hope that we do not allow such travesties to reoccur indefinitely. Again, thanks so much!
Branwyn · 2 December 2011 · Chapter 22: Journey Toward Judgment
So Pardrone wasn't so much inept as so badly intimidated that he couldn't properly defend his client. Quite a few people were threatened into silence. Good idea to disguise Danarion.
Author's reply
In the real case the defense lawyers were totally unprepared for the role assigned them. One has made a point of emphasizing just how poorly he was able to try to do his job, to the point that in the Rule 37 hearing for Jason Baldwin and Jessie Miskelley a few years ago he kept repeating it over and over again that he felt he was totally inadequate as Jessie's defense lawyer. And the man is now a judge in his own right. Yes, good idea to disguise Danarion!
Branwyn · 1 December 2011 · Chapter 21: The Lords Examine
Avrandahil has a strange idea of his duties as a coroner (which seems to be the role he filled). Malthor made me laugh--he really didn't want to give up that rare book. I liked how though he was probably too afraid to openly defy the authorities, he still did his best to preserve the records.
Author's reply
Frank Peretti isn't quite as bad as Avrandahil, although he does appear to be convinced that his job is to support the state's case as much as possible rather than to truly determine what happened. And to do this he's proved he will lie like a rug. It's hard for a bibliophile to give up such a text as this! I KNOW, considering how I love those books that come into my hands!
Branwyn · 28 November 2011 · Chapter 20: To Meet Those Accused
We finally meet the defendants! Garestil is obviously a few bricks shy of a load. And poor Danarion thinks the deputation is there to witness his execution. Berevrion is wise to continue to treat them as felons. Clearly there are people (like that annoying couple) who will refuse to even consider that the boys might be innocent and will be enraged if they escape punishment. Another great chapter! This is an amazing story. And has inspired me to do some reading on the real-life case.
Author's reply
Poor Garestil isn't really all that bright, is he? But he's a decent sort. What else is Danarion supposed to think? At least he's realized that there's at least a chance now that he'll be vindicated. And the pure poison of some of the nonsupporters in the real case is hard to imagine, even when we've been aware of it for almost two decades!
Branwyn · 28 November 2011 · Chapter 19: Revelations in Hevensgil
Well, at least they now know where the murders occured which discredits some of the testimony against the three boys. Because he is misusing a marvelous talent and feigns ignorance of his own deceit, Avrandahil strikes me as even more villainous than the characters who were engaging in outright thuggery.
Author's reply
Yes, now they know where the children actually died. And you can guess my attitude toward the ME who carried out the actual autopsies in the real case. Frank Peretti just lied in an interview he did with an Arkansas newspaper, and I've been shaking my head over it for the past three days! The man is an expert at twisting facts to try to justify the case against the three.
Branwyn · 26 November 2011 · Chapter 18: On Evil Averted--or Not
Aww, I love the ent! He stole this chapter, especially when he handed back Vangil and apologized for breaking him! Of course, he doesn't have much or any contacts with humans and would have no idea how frail we are compared to him. And his presence also proves that the murders couldn't have happened anywhere near the field where the children play.
Author's reply
It was fun finding a way to work an Ent into the story. And he may have watched over the children at play, but hasn't tried to physically interact with them, at least. No, the children weren't murdered anywhere near him.
Branwyn · 26 November 2011 · Chapter 17: When Those Sworn to Justice Fail their Purpose
I like Imrahil's son. Much like his father, isn't he? By this point in time, the entire deputation must be heartily sick of hearing what "everyone knows." When Berevrion asks if Danarion wore boots which would have left a distinctive footprint, I wondered if anyone had bothered to compare his boots with the plaster casts of the footprints. There is no way that a scrawny kid had feet as large as those of the actual murderer.
Author's reply
I rather like Erchirion as well. They did compare the shoes confiscated from Jason, Damien, and Jessie to the two and a half footprints found at the site, and none of them matched. Nor did soil samples found in their shoes match the soil from the gully. But it didn't stop the police from continuing to focus their attention on the three or the prosecutors from continuing to seek to force the "evidence" to supposedly "support" their case.
Branwyn · 25 November 2011 · Chapter 16: And Whom Might We Suspect?
Poor Wendthor and the other children have been exposed to a great deal of violence in their few years. That's a sad story about the horse farm though probably common enough in that region. And yet more suspects!
Author's reply
It was definitely a violent period, and there was no way to successfully protect the children from the knowledge of just how bad things were. And, yes, even MORE suspects!
Branwyn · 25 November 2011 · Chapter 15: What Everyone Knows
The small town gossip strikes a chord with me. I lived for a time in Kent, Ohio, and neighbors would regale me with stories about the students killed in the May 4th shootings. How the ER doctors found lice on the bodies. And the two girls were sluts. And the only mistake the National Guard made was not killing all of the protesters. I was deeply shocked by the strength of the vitriol so many years after the events. Maybe there is something about that small town environment that brings out the credulous and vicious in human nature.
Author's reply
I agree. However, in the state of Washington, in Seattle, of all places, a couple were sent to prison for allegedly sexually abusing their daughter and their neighbor's child--and it was categorically proven that the crime for which they were sent to prison for seventeen years never even happened. It doesn't just happen in small towns.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 14: To Know the Accused
Those guardsmen were rather selective about whom they questioned and whose testimony they believed. Berevrion's discomfiture at the mention of oral sex was funny. He is not quite unflappable. Odd that no one considered that Danarion was recovering from a broken arm and couldn't have done the things he was accused of. But people were just seeing what they wanted to see.
Author's reply
You have nailed it exactly, Branwyn.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 13: “Do Not Seek to Embroider upon the Truth…”
And some of the witnesses' stories unravel with amazing speed! And a witness was told to leave town during the trial and to refuse to communicate with the defense. If the evidence in the real-world case was half as effed-up as the evidence in this story then I hope that some people lost their jobs as a result.
Author's reply
One would hope that this would happen, but it didn't. The real "detective" who lifted the bodies out of the ditch did end up being demoted, but eventually was returned to his rank as detective. In the state of Arkansas one does not have to take any classes in law enforcement in order to become a police officer, and you don't have to have any training in investigation to be advanced to the status of detective. Ain't it a crock? A few officers did end up getting fired or resigning in lieu of getting fired, but not due to their actions regarding this particular case--they were fired when a federal investigation revealed they were taking part in illegal search and seizure of vehicles they claimed were being used to transport illegal drugs north from border states or when internal examinations indicated they'd been stealing from evidence lockers or had been involved in embezzlement. The lead prosecutor used the "win" in this case to get elected as a judge, and the judge is now a state senator in Arkansas.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 12: A Visit to Medril's Farm
So Medril's wife, daughter, and son are all liars, and don't seem to care that someone is going to hang based on their misrepresentations. I feel a little sorry for Medril. All of the menfolk shuddered at the mere thought of it. Lol...yes, men tend to be very sensitive about that particular topic!
Author's reply
Well, it's not like they are convinced that Danarion is innocent, after all, or that he's someone they particularly care about. And I have seen more than one guy suddenly reach protectively toward his privates when discussing the mutilation seen on poor little Christopher Byers.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 11: An Evening's Discussions
When Nerwion's son take Wendthor to the inn, I was half-expecting Wendthor to drink himself into a hangover (after all, he's a teenager who is away from his parents), but instead he orders just one drink and keeps his ears open. He has the makings of a sensible lord. It is surprising how many different people had serious doubts about the guilt of the three boys. But it isn't easy to challenge the authorities or public opinion.
Author's reply
I agree--Wendthor is managing to pace himself well, and indeed will prove himself a most worthy heir to the rule of the district of which Anwar is the chief city. There are many cases in this world that were unfairly conducted that have ended in apparently unjust decisions, and it is indeed difficult to get them rectified after the fact. Some that are even more high-profile than the WM3 case are still knowing contraversy, and undoubtedly will until the unfairly convicted defendants die in prison, unfortunately.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 10: Another Journey Made
Expert witnesses and a constable prevented from testifying, defendants not allowed to speak with their own counsel, parts of the proceedings excluded from the offical record--the trial sounds less and less fair. One person who has not been interviewed is the local healer who examined the bodies. I am assuming that at this point in time there would be no point in exhuming them?
Author's reply
Many of these conditions are commonly present in cases of questionable verdicts, you will learn. It's not only mob-connected defendants who have sought to intimidate and even eliminate potential witnesses against their cases or interests.
Branwyn · 24 November 2011 · Chapter 9: And What Is Truth?
Wendthor raises reasonable concerns about the means of detecting lies. Why use a test if it isn't reliable? I haven't read the details of the real-life case that is the inspiration for this story, but if the investigation was as inept and dishonest as this one then there were serious problems.
Author's reply
Oh, the investigation of the real case tended to begger the imagination and raise a good deal of indignation, believe me. In the United States, it is illegal in most cases to indicate the results of lie detector tests to a sitting jury, as it is generally accepted that the results are not reliable a significant amount of the time. Many people tend to become rattled by the questioning and/or find the electrodes uncomfortable, or are just anxious by nature, and will have results that simply cannot be accurately interpreted. Many medications can affect the results. And no test is more reliable than the one who is interpreting the results. The WMPD's polygraph administrator was heavily criticized by the expert witness who testified for Jessie Miskelley, who felt that the man did a lousy job in administering the test as well as interpreting the results. He stated that Jessie only lied when he denied during the test that he'd ever used any illegal drugs, while the administrator told the detectives that Jessie was "lying his a** off." Many people have asked precisely the question you've raised here, and I can only indicate some of the justifications commonly given in the answers Wendthor has been given.
Branwyn · 23 November 2011 · Chapter 8: The Reading Continues
I'm glad to see that the lord's son, who had seemed like something of a slacker, is interested in the case. Maybe because this case involves such serious consequences. His father may come to grateful to the deputation from Gondor. And the plot thickens as the disgruntled and underpaid public defender shows up!
Author's reply
The coming of this deputation has been like a stiff breeze shaking a limb and loosening old, dead leaves so this year's blossoms and leaves can begin to grow. I suspect many will be glad for the deputation's coming, while a few will have good reason to worry as to what it will mean for them. Many of the complaints made by this defender have been made by the real-life defenders as well, I'm sorry to say.
Branwyn · 23 November 2011 · Chapter 7: The Investigation Begins
That's a sensible idea for the deputation to read the transcripts together. Interesting that the old archivist did not hold a bad opinion of Danarion. You wonder who was allowed to testify at the trial? Another great chapter!
Author's reply
It was a shock to find out who was excluded from testifying at the real trial, and the threats that were made. One of the mothers was questioning one of the claims that the detectives were making, and was warned, "Don't mess up our case!" And both teachers from Jason's school and the administrator for the youth facility where Jason was incarcerated were told to leave town and not to accept any communications from the defense lawyers or their staff.
Branwyn · 21 November 2011 · Chapter 6: Revelations of the North
Sounds like Benargil is worried about his job security. With good reason since Aragorn isn't simply affirming the existing vassalships. Regarding the "Book of Shadows," so few people in that town could read it that it's some excuse for him just tossing it in the trash.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, a good many of the lords of the land have reason to question whether or not they'll be allowed to continue as they were. And where literacy isn't necessarily universal, I doubt that too many would bother with a book found on the trash heap. Also, since it was written in Sindarin and much of the business of the realm is now done in Westron, there's another reason why few would bother it. But it would appear that the book didn't rest there long....
Branwyn · 21 November 2011 · Chapter 5: Lord Benargil's House
Hmmm, if Benargil had doubts about the investigation, why didn't he raise them earlier? Or did he? That sounds like one of the worst dinner parties ever, but it was good that the Elf decided to join them. He may not want to be there, but he is taking his assignment seriously. Lol at Benargil's combover--mark of banality or mark of evil? :D
Author's reply
Good question as to why Benargil didn't question things earlier, but--hey! He took Enelmir's word that everything was on the up and up, after all. And the combover is more vanity than anything else, I suspect. Heh!
Branwyn · 21 November 2011 · Chapter 4: Deputation Mounted
Interesting to see Anorgil's appraisal of Aragorn's judgment, since the young man is a legal clerk. I have to confess that I had no idea who this "Iorhael" was, lol!
Author's reply
Iorhael and Frodo both mean "Wise through experience," Tolkien tells us, so Iorhael is the Sindarin form of Frodo's name. I suspect that Frodo took it in stride, as I have him aware of the Sindarin translation of his name from early on, and using it with two of his younger cousins to keep their foster mother from realizing he is interacting with them in "The Ties of Family." And Anorgil must be reassured as to Aragorn's competence as a judge now.
Branwyn · 20 November 2011 · Chapter 3: Legal Scribe, Healer and Surgeon
It's too bad that the Elves can't send a different healer. That one sounds annoying and difficult to work with. How very like Aragorn to ensure that the injured woman doesn't have to worry about her family while she is in hospital. Another great chapter!
Author's reply
Harolfileg will get along well enough, you'll learn. But it's not easy for the isolated Elves of Mirkwood to deal easily with mortals, after all. And I do think Aragorn would always wish to make certain someone who's been incapacitated for a time doesn't have to worry about simple things such as whether nor not the family will get its dinner today! Heh!
Branwyn · 20 November 2011 · Chapter 2: A Deputation Formed
It's not a good sign that the archivest knows at first glance that some of the evidence is false. Sending the Elven healer and the battle surgeon--the forensic experts of the day--is a nice touch.
Author's reply
Well, it's been through the examination of evidence by truly competent forensic scientists that the real-world case was finally turned upside down for many who had believed that the real Damien, Jason, and Jessie were guilty; it seemed realistic to think that Aragorn would wish to send people who knew what they were looking at to examine what evidence might be available, or to review what had been testified to in order to test its validity.
Branwyn · 20 November 2011 · Chapter 1: A Letter to the King's Majesty
Hmm, I think you are a little unfair to Denethor. There is no indication that Denethor wasn't a fair and conscientious ruler. I love the idea of the bogus "Book of Shadows." The Necronomicon of MiddleEarth! I recall that Tolkien started writing a sequel to the LOTR that was about cults of evil-worshippers, but he quickly abandoned it. Your story is fascinating!
Author's reply
Oh, you'll find I was nowhere as unfair to Denethor as it might now appear, once you reach the end of the story. I'd love to see some of the early drafts for what Tolkien was working on. It could be fascinating to see where he was seeing the story taken next.
Branwyn · 20 November 2011 · Chapter 0: Prelude: Evil at Day's End
I commend you for writing the story you needed to write (which is bound to repel some readers). Chilling yet beautifully written. I have to admit that I was unaware of the real-world criminal case until this summer.
Author's reply
Oh, the story has repelled a few readers, mostly people who have been discussing the real-world case for years, it's proved. And the first chapter isn't an easy one to get through, I know. It wasn't easy to write, either. But if we don't wish such stories as this to remain all too frequent, we need to examine ourselves to make certain we aren't making rushes to judgment in order to tidy up cases swiftly and neatly and in doing so making terrible mistakes. I've followed the case since about 1999; one friend was a court reporter and was present at the initial trials. She was aware from the start that there was something rotten in West Memphis, Arkansas; now she wishes to see the real killer properly identified and prosecuted. Thanks so, Branwyn.