Devil's Knot

Devil’s Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three by Mara Leveritt

I have been intrigued by the case of the West Memphis Three since the 90’s. In a horrible crime, three young boys were murdered. It was a horrific. Sadly these boys memories have been lost in the case.
In a stunning case--three teens were charged and convicted on very little evidence. Levitt’s research on this case is extensive and her book is insightful and thorough. The legal system can be incredibly broken, and in many cases downright corrupt. This particular case is just shocking and disturbing.

The one complaint I would have about the book is that Levitt tries to point a finger at who “might have done it.” She picks on the same person again and again. That seems contradictory to the point of the book…in that there was very little evidence against anyone.  

Since the publication of this book, in 2011 these men were released from prison after serviing 18 years for these crimes. However, the government still wouldn’t admit to having convicted them in error. To gain their freedom they were forced to plead guilty. Did these teenagers commit murder?

After researching the case I have no idea how they could have been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Next, I plan to read the book that Damian Echols has written since leaving prison.
 
The men that colluded to imprison these teenagers are mostly still working within the justice system. The prosecutor still stands behind his conviction. I wonder how these people sleep?