A year after they were released, two of the West Memphis Three are no longer speaking with each other.
The cause of the rift is a new movie in production, Devils Knot, detailing the case and the murders of three children in West Memphis in 1993.
Damien Echols has been against the movie since the start according to Jason Baldwin, “Damien had several objections to the script, though he had not met with the producers to discuss his concerns directly. I pursued a meeting with the producers to address those concerns because the movie was going to be made with or without us; I wanted to make sure it was as accurate as possible.”
Echols has said as much, “Unfortunately, the making of the movie “Devil’s Knot” drove a wedge between Jason and I. I was deeply hurt when he chose to take part in it. However, that doesn’t mean I love him any less.”
Baldwin says he had changes made to the script to appease Echols and chose to serve as an Executive Producer, “I chose to officially participate in what I viewed then and view even more now as a truthful, positive, and healing portrayal of this story.”
Click HERE to read much more from Jason Baldwin.
Damien’s Statement:
In Life After Death I’ve written an honest description of my life and the ways I’ve come to see the world both before and after my release.
It doesn’t always paint a pretty picture,but it is my story.
In it, I discuss my relationship with Jason.
Anyone reading the ENTIRE book will see that it is a very poignant and loving friendship.
We were best friends since we were kids.
In the weeks prior to our release,things became difficult for everyone. I know that for me,it was the most torturous time of my life.
Freedom was so close,but could have been snatched away at any moment. It was a living Hell.
Jason was absolutely selfless in his decision to accept the Alford plea that saved us all. And I understand how hard it was for him to do it.
For what he did,I will always be grateful to Jason. I’ve never meant to say anything to deliberately hurt him,or anyone else.
My whole motivation was simply to write honestly about my struggle.
Unfortunately, the making of the movie “Devil’s Knot” drove a wedge between Jason and I.
I was deeply hurt when he chose to take part in it.
However, that doesn’t mean I love him any less.
That’s all I wanted to say.
Thank you for being patient while I went on this rant.
Good night,folks.
-Damien Echols
