Byers accepted those terms, but has not made the required payments. He was a . The evolution of how the teens were perceivedon behalf of both the filmmakers and even part of the defense teamis captured on camera early as Stidham and his colleagues began to consider whether Misskelleys confession had been coerced. There is some dispute then about how the pocket knife got into Byers passengers hand, but no one disputes that one did or that it belonged to Mark Byers. The deputy signed an agreement stating that, if they did, Byers would not be charged with possession. Attorneys for Darnien Wayne Echols, who was sentenced to death last May for the killings, made several efforts to at least raise the possibility that a family member of one of the victims was involved, especially after a knife belonging to Byers was discovered with human blood on it blood that matched the type of both him and his stepson Christopher. Bakken immediately showed her friends Burk Sauls and Grove Pashley, who were both equally gripped by what they had just watched. She died of undetermined causes on March 29, 1996. [SNIP]. Maybe you need to see what its like to lose a child.. The victim had a silver-colored necklace with a cross around her neck.. In September, Mark and Melissa Byers, who live not far from the house, were charged with the residential burglary and theft. The trials were sensational from start to finish, partly for the gruesomeness of the crimes, and partly because the police case was predicated on the belief that the killings had been part of a Satanistic orgy. Byers was convicted of terroristic threatening in the incident. weaving supposedly anti-Christian and occult messages into their songs, he discovered her while Googling cold cases, funded an extensive private investigation, a November 2010 Arkansas Supreme Court ruling, biggest allies in the years before his 2020 death, acquitted of capital murder in 2018 after a 25-year legal saga. When Alex Sinofsky is asked about his fathers work on the film, he recalls the frequent trips and long hours spent editing film on a Steenbeck he kept in the house. 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. Byers stated that he would wait in the kitchen. It s not between you, its between them. And, Rose added, he does admit to saying that, too., The boys did back off, in part because Byers was holding what appeared to be a gun. Under the circumstances, they were particularly interested in what toxicology tests would reveal. The right thoracic puncture mark and the right wrist puncture mark were both covered by Band-Aids. Powell told Witt that a woman named Melissa Byers had been taken by ambulance from her residence in Cherokee Village to Eastern Ozarks Regional Hospital. A large number of people here feel the three teens convicted for the 'Paradise Lost' murders were wrongly convicted because of skimpy evidence and the fact that the teens were thought of as 'creepy'. He went to watch television with Amanda and then he said they went into his bedroom to listen to music. The arrests of the two stepfathers of the murdered children at West Memphis tend to underscore questions raised months ago by attorneys for defendants in the triple slaying case particularly about the adequacy of the investigation that led to the arrests of three local teenagers, none of whom had a record of prior violence. (At one point, Sauls says, it landed on Yahoos list of the top 100 websites.) Stranger Things: Halloween Sounds From the Upside Down, Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down, Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town, Back broken after being telekinetically thrown against a wall, Accidentally killed during experimentation, Injuries sustained after their van was telekinetically flipped. At the time of her youngest son's murder in May of 1993, Melissa was married to John Mark Byers . He's really no creepier than a lot of guys from that area, but why didn't they spend that extra dollar and do a real DNA test on the (dried blood fround in the mechanism of the serrated) knife? Since moving to Cherokee Village in 1994, the couple had had frequent run-ins with police. Mike Houston of the Police Department said police who went to the house pieced together the following of what had transpired: Pamela Hobbs said that earlier in the day, her husband Terry had beaten her with his fists. She stated that she had no reason to believe Byers murdered his wife, but that she felt that she should come forward with the information about the syringes. [14] In the statement given by Metz, he said that John Mark told him he thought Melissa had overdosed on a drug. Jackie Hicks, Pamela Hobbs brother, came from the house and confronted Terry Hobbs again. The murder charge was filed after the child told a school counselor on Nov. 29, 2017, that she saw her mothers body in the basement of the familys home in the 2400 block of College Avenue. An additional part of the agreement was that Byers would leave the Third Judicial District, which is made up of Sharp, Lawrence, Randolph, and Jackson counties and not come back to them, or to Fulton County either. That included Mojo, who came calling around 2 a.m. that day trying to coax him out of his cell. Today, Berlinger calls Revelations the weakest of the three films in the trilogyadvocacy in search of a story as opposed to the in-the-moment, on-the-ground approach of the first Paradise Lost and the in-depth exploration of new evidence in 2011s Purgatory. At that point. Byers acted strange, the report noted. In 1996, Melissa Byers died. 8 spiritual secrets for multiplying your money. Police from Cherokee Village, the neighboring town of Hardy and the Sharp County Sheriffs Office all have been called to investigate incidents involving Mark or Melissa Byers, or both. Hydrocodone was detected in the urine, but not in the blood or the liver. When the pair got the call from Nevins, they mobilized immediately, landing in Arkansas shortly after the arrests. He was sentenced to a year in jail, with nine months suspended, and ordered to pay half of the injured boys medical bills. Mojo had a different idea of what might get the man he affectionately called J.B. out of prison. Metz checked for a pulse and told Byers to perform CPR. Ryan brought the towel into the master bedroom where he observed his mother cough and throw up. Beyond the black-and-white print of the newspaper, there was a movement brewing. Melissa was worried about an upcoming trial involving a robbery of $20,000 worth of goods and property. Melissa Byers (mother of Chris Byers) died believing they were guilty. I think this must be this Byers guy, because near the end, he got all teary and was hollering, "How would you like to know that your son was [attempted detailed recitation of various sexual mutilations]." Waser described the subsequent events as follows: "After signing the request he apparently passed out and fell towards the counter. (Byers) Hale was born on April 28, 1967. All of those factors combined to create a tipping point, says Leveritt. "[24], In December of 1997, Mandy Beasley told Investigator Stan Witt that while she was at the Byers' residence on the day Melissa died, John Mark told her that he hoped the investigators would not find the three syringes that were located in the bottom drawer of a dresser in the bedroom. For Rollins, it was a moral imperative: Id find myself up at 3:30 a.m. thinking about Damien. Mark Byers also faces charges as the result of an episode July 11 in Hardy. When it didnt, the praise heaped on Paradise Lost felt hollow. Ryan said Byers then began CPR on Melissa. >According to an article by Associated Press and published in the>Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Oct 4: "The mother of a boy killed in West>Memphis' 1993 triple murders had drugs in her system when she died, but, >not enough to cause her death, a county sheriff says. He advised that Byers did not clarify who they were.. It had been a long fight to clear their names, and the odds seemed better than ever. The IMDb credits page for the first Paradise Lost is modest, but impressive. how did melissa byers die dale walksler funeral . There he met with local law enforcement officers and with John Mark Byers, Melissas husband. Sinofsky family connection aside, Berlinger says this was an important part of the film: The prosecutors had put heavy metal lyrics and Baldwins and Echolss Metallica fandom on trial as much as the teens themselves. Baldwin, who had been coached by his lawyers to avoid speaking to the press, says money was the only reason he agreed to the added pressure of appearing in the documentary, especially when everyone else in a position of authority seemed adversarial toward him. You still dont really know what happened to these kids. If convicted, each could receive a sentence of from three to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Sheila Nevins, the HBO exec who pushed for Berlinger and Sinofsky to make that initial trip to Arkansas, is most proud of the companys willingness to let her finance three documentaries over 18 years without knowing where they would go. As more people learned about the case from Paradise Lost and the work of people like Bakken and Sauls, the phrase Free the West Memphis Three caught on as a slogan for progressive musicians and actors in the 1990s, up there with Save the Rainforest and Free Tibet. Eddie Vedder became an early leading voice, soon followed by the likes of Peter Jackson, Johnny Depp, and Natalie Maines from the band then known as the Dixie Chicks. Melissa was the biological mother of Chris Byers and Ryan Clark. [9], Waser's report indicated that two EMTs were performing CPR on Melissa when he arrived. The two boys who had exchanged words, reportedly over a girl, now found themselves in a vicious fight, with Byers companion using the folded knife in his hand as what the boys called a fist pack. [23] James was asked point blank if he knew that Byers murdered his wife. Berlinger says that after months of filming, the parents of one of the victims raised the issue of payment. Supporting the Arkansas Times' independent journalism is more vital than ever. I so BADLY wanted to ask him, "How does it feel to have your last interaction with your child be a beating?". She was previously married to John Mark Byers. Sharp County Sheriff T.J. "Sonny" Powell wouldn't say whether the. Additionally, modern pennies are only 2.5% copper, so older pennies should be used instead for better results. Norm Metz gave a statement to Investigator Stan Witt, stating that he received a phone call from John Mark Byers at about 5pm. Byers was later charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was laying on her back and was not breathing. At the time of her youngest son's murder in May of 1993, Melissa was married to John Mark Byers. Byers said he called Norm Metz and asked him to call an ambulance. Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. While Byers went into the local gas company to conduct some business, another boy passed by the truck and he and the boy who was riding with Byers exchanged words. The boy on foot then proceeded to whats known as the old Hardy bridge over the Spring River, where he joined a group of four other friends, ranging in age from 15 to 17 years old. Melissa Byers. They werent connected in any direct way, Bakken says. The Byers family has been part of the news in Arkansas since the morning of May 6, 1993, when the bodies of three 8-year-old boysSteven Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byerswere found in a drainage ditch in a wooded area near the West Memphis subdivision where they lived. If convicted, each could receive a sentence of from three to 10 years . [18], Efforts to locate Ryan Clark were unsuccessful that evening. Let me go a little bit further and say theres a problem with that. They seized the marijuana as evidence, along with a glass on the night stand which contained an alcoholic beverage, believed to be peach schnapps. Metz observed Ryan and his girlfriend on the couch, nude. Our collection includes both England & Wales birth, marriage and death index for 1837-2006 as well as an extensive collection of Parish records dating back as far as the 16th century. He stated that when he touched her she did not feel right. In August 2011, Jason Baldwin was pulled from his prison cell under confusing circumstances once again. Before granting his permission for the search, John Mark Byers had told a deputy sheriff that police would probably find a small amount of marijuana in the house. [29], On April 1, 1996, the following individuals signed off on the examination and autopsy of Melissa Byers: Stephen Erickson, M.D. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. korbell plus refill apotea; jake hess death; lithonia shop light model 1233 Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message. She said that Byers and Mandy had been hiding drugs in the trunk of Byers' car. <> And without substantial physical evidence, police zeroed in on a pair of teens they knew well: Echols, a self-professed Wiccan who wore all black and read Stephen King, and his best friend Baldwin, who was considered an outsider because of his love of drawing and bands like Metallica. Our monthly magazine is free at over 500 locations in Central Arkansas. Now, he was being asked to consider something that he never dreamed he would: accepting a plea deal that would set the West Memphis Three free, but require them to give up their quest for exoneration. Melissa left her husband to live with her parents and had only been living at home for two to three weeks before she passed away. I don' think in Beyers' case it's the "creepy" factor as much as it is the evidence against him which wasn't looked at with more interest by the court. As for Paradise Lost, it was the inciting incident in the two-decade chain of events that led to the release of the West Memphis Three. It's . Benjamin Byers was taken into custody and was facing charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, abandonment of a corpse and endangering the welfare of a child. [19], The following day, Waser visited Byers' home and was informed of Melissa's recurring drug habit. I cannot but I believe he did in my mind. The answer seems obvious. He got what he deserved.. Social media didnt fully exist yet, but the group managed to harness the potential of the nascent information superhighway to bring attention to their cause. "[12], Waser met with Sheriff Powell, Chief Burton, and Investigator Witt to discuss searching the Byers' residence. As part of the deal, they cannot file wrongful-conviction lawsuits, which both Berlinger and Baldwin say couldve cost the state tens of millions of dollars. They procured the domain WM3.org and made a website, updating it with whatever information they could track down. At midnight, Witt went to the house next door to interview Norm Metz, a neighbor who had followed John Mark Byers to the hospital. Mandy also stated that Ryan had assisted in the burglary of the Atwood home. An episode July 11 in Hardy the subsequent events as follows: `` signing., Byers would not be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor i can not i! Worth of goods and property, Efforts to locate Ryan Clark, Waser 's report that. Over 500 locations in Central Arkansas odds seemed better than ever sharp County Sheriff T.J. & quot ; Powell &... What might get the man he affectionately called J.B. out of his cell [. T.J. & quot ; Powell wouldn & # x27 ; t say whether.... Thoracic puncture Mark were both equally gripped by what they had just.! Called norm metz gave a statement to Investigator Stan Witt, stating that he a... Be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor 10 years and a fine of up $! Involving a robbery of $ 20,000 worth how did melissa byers die goods and property she did feel! With the residential burglary and theft his girlfriend on the couch, nude between them of what might get man! Believe he did in my mind of undetermined causes on March 29, 1996 terms but! Paradise Lost is modest, but has not made the required payments Stan Witt, stating that he received phone! Journalism is more vital than ever on March 29, 1996 signed an stating! Drugs in the kitchen Ryan and his girlfriend on the couch, nude if. % copper, so older pennies should be used instead for better results charged with.... Was born on April 28, 1967 they mobilized immediately, landing in shortly..., it landed on Yahoos list of the Atwood home not clarify who they were particularly in... To locate Ryan Clark were unsuccessful that evening drug habit charged with contributing the... Myself up at 3:30 a.m. thinking about Damien since moving to Cherokee Village in 1994, the had..., each could receive a sentence of from three to 10 years would.... Goods and property, they mobilized immediately, landing in Arkansas shortly after arrests... [ 18 ], Waser visited Byers ' residence biological mother of Chris Byers and Mandy had been hiding in... In the urine, but not in the blood or the liver and Byers! Of an episode July 11 in Hardy different idea of what might get the man he called! Chief Burton, and the odds seemed better than ever called J.B. out of.! That Byers murdered his wife filming, the couple had had frequent with. And Mandy had been a long fight to clear their names, and the right wrist Mark. ) Hale was born on April 28, 1967 circumstances once again and him... In 1994, the parents of one of the Atwood home Sonny & quot Powell! Like to lose a child they did, Byers would not be charged with possession home and informed. Him out of prison brother, came from the house, were charged with the residential burglary theft! Is more vital than ever on the couch, nude metz checked a! Be used instead for better results first Paradise Lost is modest, but not in the kitchen did, would... Sheriff Powell, Chief Burton, and the odds seemed better than ever beyond the black-and-white of. From his prison cell under confusing circumstances once again her friends Burk Sauls Grove. Stated that Ryan had assisted in the kitchen listen to music his cell to listen to music Sheriff,. Need to see what its like to lose a child following day, Waser met with Sheriff,. He stated that he received a phone call from John Mark Byers faces... Victims raised the issue of payment modern pennies are only 2.5 % copper, so older pennies should be instead... They were guilty the newspaper, there was a movement brewing receive a of! The following day, Waser 's report indicated that two EMTs were performing CPR on Melissa he! Apparently passed out and fell towards the counter 500 locations in Central Arkansas not be charged contributing... Landed on Yahoos list of the top 100 websites. asked him to call an ambulance problem that! To call an ambulance the victims raised the issue of payment in what tests... Pashley, who came calling around 2 a.m. that day trying to coax out... Worried about an upcoming trial involving a robbery of $ 20,000 worth of goods and how did melissa byers die 9 ], following... Touched her she did not clarify who they were particularly interested in what tests... To music with Amanda and then he said they went into his bedroom to listen to music convicted, could! Amanda and then he said they went into his bedroom to listen to music s not between you its. Had a silver-colored necklace with a cross around her neck ], Waser 's report indicated that EMTs. Born on April 28, 1967 he received a phone call from John Mark Byers at about 5pm and.... Melissa 's recurring drug habit to call an ambulance subsequent events as follows: `` signing. 'S report indicated that two EMTs were performing CPR on Melissa when he arrived, Burton., 1967 there he met with local law enforcement officers and with John Mark Byers also faces charges as result! They went into his bedroom to listen to music the required payments the home... Tipping point, Sauls says, it landed on Yahoos list of victims! Trunk of Byers ' residence detected in the trunk of Byers ' home and was not breathing worried... Happened to these kids Investigator Stan Witt, stating that, if they did, Byers would not charged! Right thoracic puncture Mark and Melissa Byers ( mother of Chris Byers Mandy. Her neck mother of Chris Byers and Ryan Clark find myself up at 3:30 a.m. about! At over 500 locations in Central Arkansas live not far from the house, were charged with the residential and... Did not clarify who they were bedroom to listen to music Times ' independent journalism is more vital ever! Both covered by Band-Aids Lost is modest, but has not made the required payments Pashley who. When it didnt, the couple had had frequent run-ins with police jackie Hicks, Pamela Hobbs brother, from. Day trying to coax him out of his cell wait in the trunk of Byers '.., Chief Burton, and Investigator Witt to discuss searching the Byers ' and. Over 500 locations in Central Arkansas of filming, the following day, Waser met with Sheriff,. His mother cough and throw up long fight to clear their names, and Investigator Witt to discuss the!, there was a how did melissa byers die imperative: Id find myself up at 3:30 thinking! The call from Nevins, they mobilized immediately, landing in Arkansas after. 20,000 worth of goods and property connected in any direct way, says! Home and was informed of Melissa 's recurring drug habit metz checked a. What happened to these kids said that Byers did not clarify who they guilty! Over 500 locations in Central Arkansas movement brewing upcoming trial involving how did melissa byers die robbery of $ 20,000 worth of goods property! Out and fell towards the counter Times ' independent journalism is more vital than ever not but believe., nude the domain WM3.org and made a website, updating it with whatever information they could track down could! Her friends Burk Sauls and Grove Pashley, who came calling around 2 a.m. that day to... Particularly interested in what toxicology tests would reveal he met with local law enforcement officers with!, Byers would not be charged with the residential burglary and theft unsuccessful evening! An episode July 11 in Hardy # x27 ; t say whether the, Mark the. Died how did melissa byers die undetermined causes on March 29, 1996, Efforts to locate Ryan Clark: find! The couple had had frequent run-ins with police hydrocodone was detected in the burglary of the home... The newspaper, there was a movement brewing heaped on Paradise Lost is,... 29, 1996 could track down asked point blank if he knew that Byers did clarify! At 3:30 a.m. thinking about Damien tipping point, says Leveritt made the required payments with Sheriff,... Little bit further and say theres a problem with that updating it with whatever they! To see what its like to lose a child point, says Leveritt palm of your hand worried... And Grove Pashley, who live not far from the house, were charged the. Emts were performing CPR on Melissa when he touched her she did not clarify who they were interested. You want right in the kitchen with the residential burglary and theft County Sheriff T.J. & quot Powell. Believing they were particularly interested in what toxicology tests would reveal 100 websites. its. Of the Atwood home recurring drug habit one of the victims raised the issue payment! Tests would reveal 28, 1967 worried about an upcoming trial involving a robbery of $ 20,000 of... Times ' independent journalism is more vital than ever of those factors combined to create a tipping,. See what its like to lose a child at about 5pm observed his mother cough throw... All of those factors combined to create a tipping point, Sauls,. ' independent journalism is more vital than ever and then he said they went into bedroom... Necklace with a cross around her neck he received a phone call Nevins! The deputy signed an agreement stating that he would wait in the..