MEMPHIS, TN - After 18 years behind bars, the West Memphis Three are finding a far different world then the one they left in 1994, one with new state ID's, technology and fresh fruit
Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley walked free on Friday, August 19, 2011, after agreeing to a plea deal admitting their guilt in the 1993 murders of three 8-year-olds. They were convicted and sent to prison for the crimes in 1994.
Echols and Baldwin, surrounded by about 40 to 50 family members, spent the afternoon and evening at the Madison Hotel in Downtown Memphis, where celebrites Eddie Vedder and Natalie Mains congratulated them on their release. Vedder and Maines worked tirelessly to free the WM3 for years and were in the Craighead County, Arkansas courtroom during the release proceedings.
An attorney for Echols said after leaving court, the three took care of some personal business before going to the DMV to pick up ID cards.
The West Memphis 3, says a spokesperson, are amazed by the changes in technology, including iPhones. They plan on relaxing with family for the next few days.
