We're talking about a boy/young man with an IQ of 68/70. 68 is INCOMPETENT. Don't take his interview out of context, please, I mean that was one L-O-N-G session. Without food, rest, or any rewards until Misskelley said what they wanted him to say. I mean, (and I'm going on memory alone, it's far too late at night to look up specific quotes, but in essence
They drew a circle around the cops and "good people" and one around Damien, Jason and "bad people" and asked this borderline retarded person, deprived of sleep, nourishment, and outside contact, to decide which one he wanted to be a part of. And then they told him how he could do that.
Remember Jesse's answer to what time they did the killings? "Around lunchtime." Sorry, no. All three boys attended school that day, lunch and all. It took almost three hours to get Jesse to get that one right.
I've no problem with the facts. But one cannot take an interrogation as long and as obviously led (and I'm being kind here... O.M.G.) and just print a bit of it and say, "Lookie here, see what he said?" No. It was wrong. It was police work at it most despicable. And you know, I'm glad they're free if, for nothing else, to scream that this cannot be the accepted formula these "clever"
cops use when they have to get suspects and fast.
I cannot believe Gary Gitchell was quoted here. What a complete and utter lying asshat. He is what's wrong with our justice system; he and those like him. He makes all of law enforcement look like criminals. He didn't care that he was taking the freedom of three young men when NOBODY EVER GAVE A LICK OF EVIDENCE THEY WERE EVEN THERE.
Disgusting and shameful. This case was a blemish on the justice system of our country. It was our disgrace. It doesn't matter if we like any of "The Three" -- nobody asked anyone to like them. But for the love of God, why can't people SHOW ME HOW THEY'RE GUILTY? I'll tell you why: The evidence is nonexistent. It isn't there. And you know, Damien DID act like a dumbass during the trial. No argument there. But he was -- hell, was he even 18 then? I hope to God no one ever judges me for my actions at age 18. Oh have mercy.
I wish to Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jesse Misskelley every happiness and success. I stand behind their claim of innocence and I celebrate their freedom. They damn well deserve it.