(Memphis) – Nearly a year after the so-called West Memphis Three were released from prison, a new documentary is shedding new light on the case. The documentary, “West of Memphis,” is bringing new insight to the case.
“I know when they leave their life will be changed they are getting ready to see the truth,” Mark Byers said.
Byers son, Christopher, was one of three boys brutally murdered in 1993. He’s seen the documentary “West of Memphis” several times before, but he’s watching it again in Memphis.
He’s joined by more than 100 people at the Malco Paradiso theatre hoping for new insight in a case that’s captured the attention of people all across the country.
“For years and years I was convinced they were guilty now it’s fascinating to say the least,” Angela Young said.
“It’s interesting because there are so many conflicting stories and opinions about it,”
Laura Hernandez said.”Some people are so against them and some people are so for them.
Byers says new evidence uncovered in the film convinced him Damian Echols, Jessie MisKelly and Jason Baldwin are not the killers.
“The real killer will be shown in this movie,” he said.
In the documentary, three new witnesses undergo polygraph tests. They say the nephew of Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of one of the young victims, told them his uncle was behind the murders. The film also tracked down several witness who admit they lied under oath.
“Amy Berg (director) did an excellent job of getting behind some doors others couldn’t get behind,” Patrick Benca said.
Benca is Damian Echols local attorney. He hopes the film ignites passion about the case because he says even though the men walk free, they are still guilty in the eyes of the law.
“They’re out but they aren’t exonerated and that is our hope that this film will get us to the point of exoneration and really get people riled up about it again,” he said.
Another screening will be held Thursday night at Cordova Cinema’s at 7 p.m.