Rebecca Sapp/WireImage, While the Arkansas State and U.S. Supreme Courts repeatedly denied the West Memphis Threes appeals, a new batch of DNA testing done in 2007 showed that no genetic material on the crime scene evidence was a match to Echols, Baldwin or Misskelley, reported the, Furthermore, a hair found in one of the ligaturesused to bind the boys was found to be consistent with the DNA of Terry Hobbs, Stevies stepfather, according to court documents obtained by, The Arkansas Supreme Court ordered a new evidentiary hearing for Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley in the fall of 2010. "I don't know what to think about it," Hobbs said. It also suggested that The West Memphis Three were victims of lingering , The tale of three metal-loving misfits who may have been scapegoated for being different resonated with many, including several. There are some people who believe in the Instead, defense attorneys say, the tests found DNA from Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of one of the murdered boys. Threatened victim whose house he burglarized. Between the first Paradise Lost film and the second, Byers's wife Melissa died. Despite being the parent of one of the murdered boys, he was never officially interviewed by the police at the time the murders took place. }); Thursday, Hobbstold Action News 5 he didn't do it. Sometimes Terry goes by various nicknames including Terry G Hobbs, Terry G G Hobbs, Jayme Hobbs, Jayme L Hobbs and Terry G Hobbs. 55-year-old Terry Hobbs is from Kinard. This is very suspicious. talking about." Multiple old scars on stepson's corpse. This is the extended web version of Terrys interview about his memoirs. Following a series of documentaries that cast doubt on the investigation and law enforcements conclusion, high-profile supporters began to rally behind the imprisoned teens, later dubbed the West Memphis Three.. Jessica drove. Its a case built on a shoddy confession and community bias, and includes allegations of Satanism, sexual abuse and mutilation. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), A witness said she saw the boys on their bikes around 6:00 p.m. He made outlandish claims that he had taken part in Satanic rituals, telling the officers, "They engaged in orgies and, as an initiation rite, killing and eating dogs," according to the 1996 appeal. You can also get a signed copy of the book at the Arts in the Park author signing hosted by the Garland County Library on May 2nd. ", The officer saw that earlier Hobbs contradicted himself so he now asked for clarification about whether he saw or heard about the picture. In 2007, DNA found at the crime scene was tested. Photo: document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ Another hair found on a tree stump near the crime scene was found to be consistent with the DNA of David Jacoby, a friend of Hobbs, according to court documents. A witness claimed to have seen Echols with a knife similar to the one that had been found. Hobbs and Jacoby have denied involvement in the murders and have never been named as suspects or arrested in connection with the case. out, No. In the middle of a knot that had been tightened, there was hair jammed in the middle of that knot, said a forensic expert in the film. to bathroom From Sitting Area at we didn't know Damien Echols or none of them boys. Officer: "You said that uhh. Gave this away the day before his house was searched. supposed to be home at 4:30 p.m. for supper but he never showed up. Drug informant. In 2011, after almost two decades in prison, the West Memphis Three agreed to an Alford plea, which allowed them to proclaim their innocence while admitting the prosecution had enough evidence to convict them, and they were released from prison. He . They were not reported missing until later that evening. I seen The DNA was consistent with only 1.5 percent of the population, but it matched Hobbs's. To this day, it is still unclear who is responsible for the killings. Friend is possible source of mtDNA found at crime scene. Updated: 9:42 AM CDT June 11, 2019. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' Det. But the lawyers say evidence does point to another possible suspect -- Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of Steve Branch. And in publicly making the case against him, they perpetrate a similar sort of injustice to the one they originally set out to correct: relying on questionable evidence to prosecute in the court of public opinion. Terry Hobbs is the stepfather of Stevie Branch. some of the people that was there and check, but I don't know what they's In talking about the picture of Echols sitting in his house, Hobbs hesitates; "I know I seen umm a picture." Since his release, Echols has released three books most recently , Baldwin lives in Austin, Texas, where in 2017 he founded the non-profit group. Terry Hobbs: "Uhh hmm.". "He was just someone that was sort of on the fringes of mine and Jason's life.". },false) Echols is one of three men found guilty in the brutal murders of three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis in 1993. . Perhaps this is why he used the word "just" which is not needed. }); In 1993, he was married to Pamela Hobbs and was the step father of Stevie Branch. Echols and Baldwin went on trial a month later, and the prosecution argued they had murdered the boys in a Satanic ritual. (Source: News Channel 3) Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were detained as suspects in the murder. He was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in February 1994, according to the Los Angeles Times. This alleged picture has never surfaced. When Echols was asked about how the boys died, he guessed as to the nature of the killings and suggested "purpose of the killing may have been to scare someone," according to the appeal. "When they were describing the injuries to my son it brought back things that had happened to me in my past, when, I was tortured. #TerryHobbs #WM3, Five years ago Terry was one of the first guests on The Opperman Report. Another hair found on a tree stump near the crime scene was found to be consistent with the DNA of David Jacoby, a friend of Hobbs, according to court documents. Terry Hobbs was reported missing from Kinard on April 20, but his family said the last time anyone. In 2007, DNA found at the crime scene was tested. bathroom above toilet, took blood This thing will beat you down if you let it and I chose not to let it control my life., Hobbs says his ex-wife knows he is innocent, She knows better., But says Hicks, as well Byers, are wrapped-up in a story thats turned into an industry, To me, they`ve all tried to capitalize and they have turned our tragedy into a money making business ., He says that business, and Hollywood hype, has set the real killers free, Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley. Another hair found at the crime scene matched David Jacoby. According to the police report, Hobbs admitted that he had entered Frenchs house and put his arms around her as she came out of the shower. All three had been stripped nakedand hogtied with their shoelaces -- their right ankles had been tied to their right wrists behind their backs, and their left ankles had been tied to their left wrists behind their backs as well. Once they realized it was the child, Assistant Conductor Marcus Higgins quickly jumped off the train to rescue the 3-year-old boy, whose mother said he has autism. You can get your copy Here. MacDonald knows it is not immaterial or he would not have mentioned it. He then tells the officer that in viewing the wooded area he determined this is not a place that he would hang out at. I still believe in my heart that Jessie, Jason, and Damion Echols [sic] are responsible for what happened to our children, Hobbs told Memphis ABC affiliate. MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. 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And we were told at one time that there was something that covered if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ Subsequently, HBO produced three documentary films about the casethe Paradise Lost trilogyall of which strongly insinuate, and in some cases outright argue, that the Three are innocent. He has admitted to assaulting his wife, and he has been accused of beating his kids. I also guarantee that after printing, there will still be typographical or grammatical errors that I/we missed. Said to have confessed to killing neighbor's cat. Terry Hobbs: "Daylight." Daily Mail Reporter, Christopher Byers, James Michael Moore and Steven Branch were found dead, and their bodies tied up and mutilated in 1993 Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin, were convicted of the murders in 1994 and sentenced to death, They were released in 2011 after agreeing to an Alford plea, The West Memphis Three were supported by celebrities like Johnny Depp and Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, 1,400 rounds of ammo, three Samurai swords and photos of dead people: Warrants reveal the chilling haul found in Adam Lanza's home - and how he shot 155 bullets in less than five minutes, 'It felt like the right thing to do': How reporter meticulously planned to kill the man who brutally raped him when he was 7, FIRST PICTURE: Foxy Knoxy's ex Raffaele Sollecito breaks cover after being ordered to stand retrial over the death of British student Meredith Kercher, 'We're not your enemies!' Exhibited violent temperment evening of murders. If youd like a chance to receive a free copy, signed by both Terry and Vicky, please go Like/Share or Love/Re-tweet the photo below on Facebook on Vicky Edwards, Author page or @svedwards on Twitter. Hobbs, along with his daughter Amanda, drove Pam to her workplace. "If Michael Moore or Christopher Byers had a piece of my hair on shoes strings, these little boys came to my home and played with our little boy pretty regularly," Hobbs said. hitType: 'event', Echols friend, Jason Baldwin, 16, was subsequently wrapped up in the investigation, and a third teenager, Jessie Misskelley Jr., 17, also came under scrutiny. Davis said he believes the West Memphis 3 are guilty,but he has agreed to allow thedefenseto do more DNA testing. No further arrests have been made in the murders of Stevie, Michael and Christopher. Stevies mother, Pamela Hicks, said the last time she spoke to her son, he asked for permission to go bike riding with his friends, according to Memphis NBC affiliate WMC-TV. Multiple instances of contradictory statements. scrapings from inside of door to Located across from Memphis, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, West Memphis shares many problems with its more famous neighbor. Their suspicions were seemingly confirmed when the DNA from a cigarette they lifted from his home was a match with the hair they found on Michael's shoe. He used the phrase "you know" over 50 times in this interview. he said Gary Gitchell told him it was Terry's couch. He moved away to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and David Combs, in Macclenny when Hurricane Michael hit last October. The debate rages to this day, and no one has a definitive answer. He wants us to believe that a kid and some people were going to check it out but he used the word "think" which means he is not certain if they were going to look for the boys in the manholes. Posted May 20, 2011 On June 21, 2007, Terry Hobbs was interrogated by the West Memphis Police Department. Police intervention in dispute with daughter's boyfriend. . His ex-wife's family also said that Hobbs had a fraught, almost jealous relationship with Stevie, who was fearful of his stepfather. ga('ads.send', { Terry Hobbs: "Just a lot of neighborhood people. This allowed the killer to carry their bodies a short distance to the ditch within the wooded area where they were found. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. it on, and not, not let somebody rest from this.". Daily Mail Reporter A clue lay in a seemingly unrelated, but conspicuous phone call made to the authorities the night of the boys' disappearance. women's bathroom + Entrance hall You have no idea how hard it really is to write, proofread, edit, revise, proofread, re-write, scrap, re-write, edit, proofread, revise and proofread. Terry Hobbs currently lives in Hudson Falls, NY; in the past Terry has also lived in Aurora CO and Glens Falls NY. While there was a startling lack of physical evidence, a combination of a coerced confession and the prosecution painting them out to be pantomime villains via their haircuts and brooding dressing styles to a conservative jury doomed them. They were both found guilty on three counts of capital murder, according to the Arkansas Times. Restraining order for spanking neighbor's child. it was my couch, and I don't know, I don't remember that, now Of course I know }); This argument suggests that because Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were outcasts who listened to heavy metal, read Stephen King, and dressed in black, they made for perfect scapegoats. let gads_event; They had been slain the night before. Motivations For Investigating The West Memphis Case, Timeline Of The West Memphis Three Victims, Whats known is that three 8-year-old boys. She also found Stevie's pocket knife, which the boy always kept with him, among Hobbs's belongings. It does not seem viable that so many people would be in the woods looking for the boys at this hour. Investigators never found any evidence that tied him, Jason Baldwin, or Jessie Misskelley to the murders of the boys, Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers. It also suggested that The West Memphis Three were victims of lingering Satanic Panic, a widespread fear in the 1980s that Satanism would infect society. Ridge took blood scrapings They were found nude and hogtied in a creek in a wooded area in West Memphis. And when I was attacked. Sometimes justice is neither pretty, nor is it perfect, but it was important to take this opportunity to be free., Since their release, West Memphis authorities confirmed that some evidence in the case"might have been destroyed" in a fire "around 15 years ago.". Blonde hair, blue eyes, said Hobbs. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. or day, whenever. Officer: "Uh No sir I have not, where did you see that picture?" Stevie's mother, Pam Hobbs, who was married to Terry at the time, says she was told that he was jealous of how much attention she gave to her son compared to how much she gave him. One of the 8-year-olds is Hobbs stepson, Stevie Branch. Terry Hobbs: "David." You have no idea how hard it really is to write, proofread, edit, revise, proofread, re-write, scrap, re-write, edit, proofread, revise and proofread . The bodies of all three boys, all eight-years-old, had been found in a creek in Robin Hood Hills, a stretch of forested land in the city that was popular among the children on May 6, 1993. Their bodies were discovered that afternoon in a drainage ditch. A 1996 appeal filed by Echols and Baldwin states that the boys' clothing and bicycles had been found strewn around the crime scene. To clear the name of the "West Memphis Three" who were convicted in a 1993 murder, a powerful new documentary makes the case for another suspect. Two private investigators looking into the case on their behalf eventually turned their sights on Terry Hobbs, Steve's stepfather, because his story did not add up -- he had claimed that he had begun searching for the boys at 6 pm on the day they had disappeared when in reality, they had only been reported missing at 9 pm. After about an hour, Pam Hobbs' sister came out and talked. Hobbs states that "a lot of neighborhood people" were in the woods searching for the boys. Two girls claimed to have overheard Echols say he had killed the boys. Knife with blood consistent with that of Mark Byers, Christopher Byers or all three victims. Their bikes were found by a pipe nearby. Officer: "Did you go into the woods before you picked up Pam?" Earlier this year, he told Action News 5 he welcomes new DNA testing. Hobbs was the stepfather of Steven Branch, one of the boys found murdered in 1993, in West Memphis, Arkansas. In their quest to clear the names of the "West Memphis Three"Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, Jr. who were teenagers when they were convicted for the 1993 killingsthe filmmakers decide that they have found the actual murderer: Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of one of the murdered boys. }); Close to three decades later, investigators are still stumped by the brutal murders of three young West Memphis, Arkansas, boys that had left the country reeling. In front of the news cameras, Byers calls Hobbs a "baby killer." somewhere out here.". How much wouldn't even be admitted in the first place? Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. May 10th 1993 note, Officer Calvin Stann Burch, representative of the meager info available from 1993 regarding Terry Hobbs. On Wednesday, a hearing was held to allow her and the other parents of the victims to see the evidence of the case; during this hearing, attorneys filed a motion to name four further suspects. Claimed to have said people couldn't handle the truth about the crimes. Investigators soon zeroed in on 18-year-old high school dropout Damien W. Echols, who was interrogated on May 7. Read Terry Hobbs' story about the West Memphis Three murders. Now, a high powered defense team is trying to prove Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley didn't do it. He waived his right to a lawyer and eventually confessed to being involved in the murders, naming Echols and Baldwin as his accomplices, according to a 1996 appeal. "He thought he was helping by adding to the story," his attorney Dan Stidham told 48 Hours in 2010, "but he turned himself from a witness to an accomplice. Her home later burnt down. French reported the attack to police the next day. Coverage of the latest true crime stories and famous cases explained, as well as the best TV shows, movies and podcasts in the genre. Other evidence is even more circumstantial. document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ Twice Hobbs was asked about anything unusual that he "saw." Moreover, he also studied Wicca, which incorporates elements of paganism and witchcraft. But the rave reviews miss a dangerous hypocrisy at the heart of the film, which was paid for and produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, and directed by Amy Berg. us, helping us look for 3 kids.". Recently, three young men came forward to say they once heard Hobbs's nephew say that Hobbs was guilty of the crime. "He would have been a heart breaker if. ), The tale of three metal-loving misfits who may have been scapegoated for being different resonated with many, including several prominent musicians, celebrities and activists, including Johnny Depp and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. Here is how Hobbs concluded the interview. Ruff hoped to. Hobbs was Branch's stepfather. Read: Emotions run high among parents of slain Arkansas boys (2011) The hair found in the ligature was consistent with Branch's stepfather, Terry Hobbs, while the hair found on the tree. and Mike, no Stevie and Mike, on each side of him, I think. The gruesome nature of their murders led investigators to theorize there was a satanic element to it -- something that wasn't too farfetched in the Bible Belt considering 'Satanic Panic' was still making the rounds back then -- and zero in on Echols, Misskelley Jr., and Baldwin, mischief-makers with an unruly reputation that preceded them. "I don't know what they's talking about." The comments below have not been moderated, By The ensuing manhunt, trials, and convictions captivated the small town and drew big-time media attention. Per a bio on the website, he is seeking a degree and plans to attend law school. At one point, the filmmakers attempt to construct a motive for the crime. He was one of four children and came from a strict and religious family. He is providing a way for the alleged intruders to enter his residence and kill his family. INTERVIEW OF TERRY W. HOBBS. Despite his error in accusing Byers of the crime, however, Echols is now complicit in yet more finger-pointing. Is he pausing because he knows this is not a truthful statement? Contradictory and impossible alibi for the crucial time period of 5 to 9 pm. The child was near a fence on . Then the filmmakers highlight Hobbs's history of abuse. The police then decided to interview Hobbs. might be pertinent, or, or have some value uhh to this case at all. Hobbs's language indicates he is making up the story of having seen or heard about a picture of Damien Echols sitting on his couch. Let's look at some excerpts and see what Terry Hobbs had to say 14 years after the boys were murdered. },false) ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); Alibi unsupported or contradicted by some of those he claims to have been with, including Ryan Clark and the Garners. Terry Hobbs: "Yeah, I've heard about it, but I don't remember if I've seen it, seems like Baldwin lives in Austin, Texas, where in 2017 he founded the non-profit group Proclaim Justice, which advocates for victims of wrongful convictions. Criminal record and admissions of drug use and dealing. Christopher had a fractured skull, and his genitals had been mutilated, which authorities believed was done by his killer. The Hobbses are the mother and stepfather of Steve Branch, who was one of three 8-year-old boys found murdered in May last year, in a wooded area near where the family used to live in West Memphis . "I feel like my brother's getting a bad rap," Cindy says in the film, "and somebody needs to say something.". Possesses many knives. They never confirmed it to be Terry's hair. To learn more, watch The Forgotten West Memphis Three on Oxygen.com. Jo Lynn McAughey, Stevie's aunt, said she saw Hobbs doing laundry that nightperhaps, the filmmakers suggest, to clean the mud off his clothes after killing the boys in the woods. He was charged with entering the home of a neighbor and touching her breasts while she was in the shower. Unless Hobbs actually goes on trial, we won't ever know. Later in this portion of his interview he would estimate there were "20 to 40" people searching. (2/15/2013)(AND RELATED COURT FILINGS), LINK Furthermore, a hair found in one of the ligatures used to bind the boys was found to be consistent with the DNA of Terry Hobbs, Stevie's stepfather, according to court documents obtained by . Reese Witherspoon, laughed Hobbs. I think uhh, that little Byers boy. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The story of Echols, Misskelley Jr., and Baldwin, as well as the gruesome murders and trial that followed, was chronicled in a three-hour special, 'The West Memphis Three: An ID Murder Mystery,' that premiered on Investigation Discovery on Sunday, April 5 at 9/8 c. 'Stop it!' In 1994 . You said the one with Damien and, and the two boys." Multiple charges and convictions for theft. Baldwin was given life without parole, while Echols was sentenced to death by lethal injection. Hobbs hasnt done a TV interview in years, but agreed to sit down with WREGs Sabrina Hall to answer some questions. To be sure, Peter Jackson, Amy Berg, and Fran Walsh's efforts to exonerate the West Memphis Three have been nothing short of extraordinary. Terry Hobbs: "Well I think Gary Gitchell had it and I don't know how he got it. Which Celebrities Supported The West Memphis Three? But I've heard about this picture The purported victim of a miscarriage of justice doesn't seem to appreciate West of Memphis's unsettling irony. The bodies of all three boys, all eight-years-old, had been found in a creek in Robin Hood Hills, a stretch of forested land in the city that was popular among the children on May 6, 1993. But I don't know how, if that He waived his right to a lawyer and eventually confessed to being involved in the murders, naming Echols and Baldwin as his accomplices, according to a, His confession had numerous factual errors and inconsistencies, according to the, In a later appeal, Misskelley argued he had an I.Q. He said that someone's got this picture and it's of my couch, He had a penchant for wearing all black, and he liked heavy metal music, horror and science fiction. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! a picture that uh, Damien Echols sitting on my couch at my house with Chris 4 wheelers, motorcycles, bicycles, on foot. Hobbs then killed the boys with a pocket knife and mutilated their bodies, according to the papers. Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of eight-year-old victim Stevie Branch, has been named in documents released in Marian, Arkansas by the attorneys for Pam Hobbs, Stevie's mother. I am innocent, as are Jason and Jessie, but I made this decision because I did not want to spend another day of my life behind those bars, Echols said, according to the Arkansas Times. And when I had, uh, had 5 people beat me up and torture me but I lived through it." Jesse Misskelley's Confession Hobbs says he is not bothered by the . Twice he used the phrase "seems like" which means he is uncertain. They re-examined the clothes years and years later and what they said was they found a hair that is "not unlike Terry Hobbs'". After a motion for the tests to exonerate Echols, Misskelley Jr., and Baldwin was approved in 2004, examiners found a human hair on the shoe of Michael that did not belong to any of the defendants. Located across from Memphis, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, West Memphis shares many problems with its more famous neighbor. He was not asked what he heard but was asked about what he "saw." TO JUNE 21, 2007 WEST MEMPHIS POLICE He would have been a heart breaker if he grew up. Or did you just hear https://hotspringsarts.org/workshop-sign-up/, The Opperman Report: Terry Hobbs~Boxful of Nightmares, https://www.facebook.com/hotspringsareaculturalalliance/. Some believe that Jacoby's hair was transferred to Hobbs who then left it at the crime scene. "A gripping documentary," said the Guardian's review. In an interview for the film, Echols supported the notion. Jackson and friends argue that the West Memphis Three were the victims of a witch hunt in bible-belt Arkansas, convicted in throes of "Satanic Panic." Rain, it seems, had washed away any. That was you know, help calling, Davis also acknowledged there was a hair discovered in the knot in the shoelace. Yet while their quest for justice is admirable, with West of Memphis, they have overstepped. Hobbs says he hopes the three eventually tell the truth one day and apologize, but until then Hobbs says he has to live with the story that many people believe.

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