By Geno McGahee

Justice has finally been served and the West Memphis 3 are now free after nearly two decades in prison. The US Judge has just accepted the plea deal and has released them. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley pleaded guilty today, maintaining their innocence but acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict them.

I first became aware of the case with the documentary PARADISE LOST, and it was very obvious that there was some fishy business going on, which involved plenty of police corruption. The three teens were seen as outcasts and were perfect for the blame when three children, 8 year old boys, were mutilated and murdered.

The bill of goods that was sold to the terrified public was that we had three Satanists that killed these boys in a ritual, but bite mark evidence was overlooked, and DNA was ignored…the police had nothing. But they did get a confession from Jessie Misskelley a boy with a well below average IQ. They told him, basically, that he would go free if he turned on his friends and then told him that Damien slept with his girlfriend, adding fuel to the fire. It was a disgusting miscarriage of justice, and even more tragic when you factor in that three 8 year old boys died and three innocent teens were sent up the river for it.

It’s a happy day and the sun is finally shining for the three. Despite this plea deal, a tactical move to finally get the trio out, the state and society owes them big time for the crimes that it has done against them. Two decades in prison, reported prison rapes, and mistreatment by guards have made up their lives. They deserve something, even though this price cannot be repaid.

I feel like celebrating today. I have followed this case for many years and have read everything I could about it and have agreed with the masses. We have ignorance at work, judging the three by what they wear and what they listen to, and it has finally been overcome. Enjoy your new lives WM3. I hope you get treated better then you did before.