A candlelight vigil brings supporters of convicted killer Damien Echols together the evening before his appeal for a new trial is heard by the Arkansas Supreme Court, an appeal 17 years in the making.
A jury convicted Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley of killing three young boys 17 years ago.
Wednesday’s vigil was not a gathering to mourn or console; these faces are full of hope, excitement and confidence.
Lorri Davis, Damien Echols’ wife, said, "Believe me, there have been times I haven't been so calm."
Laura Nirider, an attorney at the Center for Wrongful Convictions of Youth said, "I think that's all anybody wants right now, a new trial where we can fix what went wrong at the first trial and just try to get at the truth."
Recent letters written by the West Memphis Three were read so these strangers from throughout the globe can know more about the men they support.
“Mostly its just getting to know someone who is strong and dignified," said Davis.
"He is very hopeful,” said Lonnie Soury,co-Founder of
falseconfessions.org. “He feels the support of not only folks in Arkansas but also the community."
The same hope is shared by a congregation of strangers holding their breath and waiting for morning.
Echols has been waiting for the Arkansas Supreme Court to hear this appeal for 17 years.
"That doesn't mean the evidence wasn't available. It’s taken that long to get through the system," explains Soury.
"The most important thing is knowing that we both are in this for the long run. We are going to work together and see this through," said Davis.
Echols’ appeal will be heard before the Arkansas Supreme Court Thursday, September 30th at 9:00am. It will be livestreamed on the
Arkansas Supreme Court's site.
