Police kept the investigation open, waiting for the autopsy report. Terry Hobbs, who would much later emerge as a possible suspect, also failed to get much police attention at the time. She died of undetermined causes on March 29, 1996. This may prevent suits for wrongful conviction. It's highly unlikely that someone would, as Expi says, call the hospital while they were still alive, first of all, if they meant to murder someone. His vanishing kicks off the plot of the whole show and he survives for a long, lonely week in the mysterious Upside-Down after being snatched by the toothy-mawed monster. Early Sweet Pepper Varieties: Which is Best for Your Climate and Taste? Christopher Byers also had been hogtied with shoelaces, and had many fresh injuries all over his body, more severe than those found on the other. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Its just fans of General Hospital getting mixed up because his famous character is thought to be departing the series. As evening fell on West Memphis, Arkansas on May 5, 1993, James Michael Moore, Steven Branch, and Christopher Byers headed off, two on their bicycles. The Industrial Revolution: Blessing or curse for the working class. She said that Byers and Mandy had been hiding drugs in the trunk of Byers' car. Byers Based on the Miskelley confession, police arrested Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin. Edward Byers Melissa Byers His stepfather, John Mark Byers, was driving his other son, Ryan, to a courthouse appointment. Several petitions exist asking that the case be reopened; supporters have established funds to help pay for appeals and other legal bills. Melissa Byers said. In addition to claims of abuse by both his ex-wives and his former stepdaughter, one of his nephews alleges that his role in the killing is the Hobbs' "family secret" (West of Memphis). He had explored many different religions; at the time of the murders, he was investigating Wicca. The 8-year-old boys were reported missing May 5. By 9:30pm, Ryan was still not home. Metz observed Ryan and his girlfriend on the couch, nude. I had to try it, Pedestrian dies in hospital 6 days after Kansas City hit-and-run: Police, Three police officers shot during east Kansas City drug raid released from hospital, Pedestrian critically hurt crossing street on southern edge of Waldo neighborhood in KC, Kansas City area business illegally supplied Russians with aviation tech: Prosecutors, Kansas City 18-year-old charged with murder in gas station shooting that killed other teen. endobj He and John Mark Byers were informed that Melissa was deceased at 6:30pm. Being sweet, intelligent and loyal are not good traits to have in the Stranger Things universe. [1] Norm Metz, the neighbor living at 73 Skyline, confirmed that Ryan came back to live with his mother and father two weeks before March 29th. I know that he and John didnt have much of a relationship, but being alone like that isnt good for anyone. Injuries sustained from the impact of a telekinetically thrown car, Crushed by a telekinetically thrown metal door, Succumb or die instantly to gunshot wounds, Burned in their crib after a shelling was ordered on their home, Injuries sustained after a shelling was ordered on their home, Repeatedly smashed against the ground and ripped in half, Killed due to their hive mind connection to the demodogs. In 2012, a new documentary appeared, West of Memphis, produced by Peter Jackson. Mandy said that later that night Byers located the syringes and threw them away after police were done searching his home. The medical examiners office said Melissa Byers, 47, died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Byers also said that Ryan had spent the night at John Mark's brother-in-law's house. One could not say to whom Damien was speaking; the other had him with Jason Baldwin. The following is a list documenting the deaths of characters throughout the four seasons of Stranger Things. Not really unusual really. Witchcraze: Then and Now. On Friday, Byers testified that he thought Gitchell was only talking about Christopher. Police followed a trail of blood drops throughout the house and into the basement. He stated that when he touched her she did not feel right. Dental impressions given by all three convicted do not match those identified by Turvey. "[12], Waser met with Sheriff Powell, Chief Burton, and Investigator Witt to discuss searching the Byers' residence. Melissa Byers was only 40 years old. Two young girls testified that they heard Damien admit to the killing. Really Dead On 'Stranger Things'? The New Netflix The 28+ Demodogs are seen falling after Eleven closes the gate. We get some insight into why people may have found Echols suspicious, but nothing in the assessment links him to the West Memphis murders. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. ", "It seems like when he asked me that I got very upset and distraught," Byers testified. The blood was tested, and could have been either Byers' or his stepson's. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Hed been aware of the investigators report citing Mark Byerss alleged fears that hed be suspected of having smothered Melissa. She was previously married to John Mark Byers. Did [16], When Waser returned to the Byers' home he was informed that Ryan Clark still had not returned. In the end they accepted this in exchange for their freedom, and they all intend to pursue full exoneration. He claimed that Christopher Byers had been strangled; again, this is incorrect. BYERS Byers stated that Melissa preferred to take Dilaudid. The person taking the statement felt that James was implying he was there and witnessed this. To Powell, her death looked like a possible homicide. We send our thoughts our prayers to her and his family and our team wishes her to be in total health. Melissa Byers | West Memphis 3 murders Wiki | Fandom Melissa Byers - IMDb If anyone wishes to examine the case further, I recommend they start by reading the records that exist of the police interrogation. stream Add to your scrapbook. Waser assisted in photographing Melissa at the hospital and bagging evidence. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. WebMelissa A. No, Anthony Geary did not pass away. Byers gave the Kershaw knife last year to a documentary film cameraman who was at his home. All content copyright original author unless stated otherwise. Melissa A. ByersNew OxfordMelissa A. At 6:30, John Mark Byers informed police that his son had disappeared. He drove to 75 Skyline to assist. As usually occurs when children fall victim to crime, the community This story was originally published April 26, 2019, 9:48 PM. Founded 1974, the Arkansas Times is a lively, opinionated source for news, politics & culture in Arkansas. How to Distinguish Between Viable and Non-Viable Tomato Seeds for Successful Planting. Year should not be greater than current year. At 8:42 pm on May 5, Marty King, manager of the Bojangles restaurant, located near Robin Hood Hills, called the police to report that an unidentified Black man with muddy feet and bloody hands had gone into the women's washroom and remained there for about an hour. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills. Hicks stressed that religious connotations shouldn't be allowed to control an investigation, although he agreed religious beliefs could play a role. The second time he requested a towel. On March 29, 1996, at approximately 5:40 p.m, Sonny Powell, the sheriff of Sharp County, called Investigator Stan Witt of the Arkansas State Police to report a suspicious death. 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Ryan stated he knocked on the door to his parents' room and both answered him. Other public comments on his past behavior come as much from local hearsay as actual records. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Christopher Byers | West Memphis 3 murders Wiki | Fandom Melissa Include gps location with grave photos where possible. She alleged that he told her how he had put gasoline all around the trailer and then used a cigarette as a fuse. Ark. Times 12/26/97, The Strange Demise of Melissa Byers Danny Williams, who had worked with Carson, had warned both the defense and prosecution that Carson had a history of making false claims. "I was under the assumption he was talking about Chris' blood" at the time, Byers testified. This is on mara's new website Sheriff to re-examine Byers 'cold case' Posted by Mara on Friday November 10, 2006 Sheriff Dale Weaver, of Sharp County, Arkansas, Join us in the fight for truth. Fans of the show have long been suspecting that Jonathan Byers (played by Charlie Heaton) could be the next to go. The Bojangles Restaurant is about three-fourths of a mile from the crime scene. Waser noted in his report that Byers was sitting outside of his home with a woman by the name of Mandy Beasley. She stated that she lived with Byers and "discovered that he was nothing but a pathological liar. Friday, defense attorneys for one defendant, Damien Wayne Echols, 19, called Byers and a former West Memphis restaurant worker to bolster their claims that someone else could have killed Christopher, Michael Moore and Steve Branch. "[8], Fred Waser from the Sharp County Sheriff's Department was filling his patrol vehicle with fuel when he heard over the radio that an ambulance has been dispatched in his immediate area. The day after the grisly discovery, James Sudbury of the West Memphis police discussed the case with Steve Jones, a Juvenile Officer for Crittenden County, Arkansas. Trapped in these isolated locations, workers are entirely dependent on the often greedy, abusive camp owners who provide food and housing at grossly inflated prices. He showed reporters a small scar on his thumb where he said he received the cut last November. Judge Burnett, who presided over the Baldwin/Echols trial, allowed Carson to testify, but barred Williams' testimony about Carson. Ryan said Byers then began CPR on Melissa. However, Damien has spent the last ten years of his sentence in isolation on death row, and none of the West Memphis Three trust the judicial system. At 1:45 in the afternoon, police found the boys' bodies in a drainage ditch in a wooded area known as Robin Hood Hills, not far from a highway truck wash. All had been stripped naked. Hicks acknowledged he didn't know enough about the case to make a firm opinion. In 1994 Melissa Byers was charged with assault for holding a gun on a carpet installer. She could not, however, identify the others present or the location, and she claimed that Damien drove, despite his lack of experience with cars. In an interview, the child told police her father had been acting weird and indicated he had been drinking when he picked her up from school on Nov. 28. He has also retracted this confession as well. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. These stopped when the night grew too dark. This book principally involved Damien's writings, and was more of an odd teen journal than a grimoire. Search above to list available cemeteries. Stranger Things season 4: Nancy Wheeler While it could have been used to inflict some of the injuries found on the children, no evidence directly linked the accused to the knife, or the knife to the crime. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. In 2006, Pearl Jam recorded the song "Army Reserve," co-written by Echols. How Did The Rapper Die? DeGuglielmo noted no other members of the Byers' family had the factor, including Chris' natural mother, Melissa. Hopefully Will won't be a casualty in Season 5, but this data has been accurate in the past. Both believed in widespread Satanic ritual abuse; both believed that this crime was occult-related. Waser described the subsequent events as follows: "After signing the request he apparently passed out and fell towards the counter. Neither could say how they both heard these statements, given that neither claimed to be standing close by. "To put the word `cult' in front of it is simply creating a big cloud of smoke," Hicks said. <>/Metadata 79 0 R/ViewerPreferences 80 0 R>> Testimony in the capital murder trial of Echols of West Memphis and Charles Jason Baldwin, 16, of Marion entered its ninth day Friday. Gotham Entertainment, 1996. This resembles the first. Melissa gurgled up some fluid and Metz called for an ambulance. Waser helped the EMTs move Melissa onto a backboard so she could be placed in the ambulance and taken to the hospital. And lots of murdered people die at the scene and not at the hospital. Furthermore, Williams claims that he had told Carson about the West Memphis Case and that, to his knowledge, Carson and Baldwin had never met. Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors. "Free the West Memphis Three." In Ericksons defense, Sturner said that nationally, between 4 and 8 percent of all cases that come in to medical examiners offices are reported as undetermined, both as to cause and manner of death. [34], The final cause of death for Melissa was listed as "undetermined". Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). BYERS He had been hogtied with shoelaces. Our monthly magazine is free at over 500 locations in Central Arkansas. Web~~~~~ kind assistance of FindaGrave volunteer Carolyne Powles Darrell 49377409 ~~~~~Inscription: Melissa Byers 10 Aug 1837-6 Mar 1920; Also buried there: Thomas Byers d. 3 Jun 1887 88y 2m 15d; Mary Byers wf of Thomas d. 16 Nov 1878 75y 8m 24d. (I have no information on cause of death.) This film reviews the story and makes the case for Terry Hobbs as the killer. John Mark Byers, 37, of West Memphis, testified he sliced his thumb while cutting venison with his Kershaw knife around Thanksgiving. Byers has been fined, required to pay restitution, and asked to leave several Arkansas counties in an agreement reached over various infractions of the law. [23] James was asked point blank if he knew that Byers murdered his wife. Since the trial, John Mark Byers and another stepfather, Terry Hobbs, have become troubling figures to those interested in the case. An earlier psychiatric evaluation of Damien Echols was entered after the conviction, to be considered when sentencing was determined. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Dale W. Griffis of Tiffin, Ohio, testified Tuesday that he believed the May slayings were tied to the occult. We transformed a central London street to create a public park! An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Based on the new evidence, a new trial was ordered. Byers declined to say where, but his wife indicated they were leaving to escape painful memories. Byers said he called Norm Metz and asked him to call an ambulance. Byers asked to ride in the ambulance with his wife. Griffis said a cult killing was indicated because one victim was sexually mutilated, there was a full moon at the time and the crime scene lacked blood. Their small circle of friends included Jason Baldwin, then 17; they had a passing acquaintance with Jessie Miskelley, a borderline mentally retarded teenager who lived in the area. His rather scattered and often fantastic (at one point, he claimed that two of the victims tried to save the third by rushing their captors with guns they found) testimony would not be used. Two bandaged needle puncture wounds were described. WebChristopher Byers, also known as Christopher Murray, was born on June 23rd, 1984. West of Memphis. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. He told Waser that the neighbor, Norm Metz, came into the bedroom to help his step-father. Kansas City man found guilty of murder in wifes 2017 stabbing death at their home, Daughter finds mothers body in the basement; her father is charged with murder, Kansas City man pleads guilty in Northland murder where victim was stabbed, set on fire, Lottery player thought she won $500. Dr. William Q. Sturner, Ericksons boss and the states chief medical examiner, sat in on the discussion. She also described seeing lots of blood in the home and seeing the body in the basement with what she thought was a stab in the back. For 48 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond with your support, we can do even more. An old Connecticut Ag Experiment. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Melissa was the biological mother of Chris Byers and Ryan Clark. Several people claim that Jesse was involved with the wrestling team that night. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. English Please reset your password. WebSearching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Sharon Melissa DeFir Byers I found on Findagrave.com. During this time, the police took no notes or records of any kind. Like many people in the town she had extensive second-hand exposure to ideas about Satanism; the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and early 1990s was alive and well in West Memphis, and the belief that vast, evil cults were routinely abusing and murdering children in America was widely accepted by many residents. He initially claims that the children were abducted at 9:00 am; when investigators indicated that they would be in school, he said that they had skipped that day. However, when potting the seedlings into Promix, they need less water than before. [22]In a subsequent interview, James stated that he had gotten close to Ryan, John Mark's step-son, while at Highland High School. Sorry, Jubilee, but that doesn't cut it with me. Byers testified that he became upset when West Memphis detective Bryn Ridge asked him May 19 if he was involved in the crime. According to her family tree, she married Kelly T. Hale on April 30, 1999 in Texas. It is rare for a pathologist to find himself so stymied when the body in question was delivered immediately for autopsy after having died in a hospital.