Shortly after three eight-year-old boys were found murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, local newspapers stated the killers had been caught. The police assured the public that the three teenagers in custody were definitely responsible for these horrible crimes. Evidence?

The same police officers coerced an error-filled "confession" from Jessie Misskelley Jr., who is mentally handicapped. They subjected him to 12 hours of questioning without counsel or parental consent, audio-taping only two fragments totaling 46 minutes. Jessie recanted it that evening, but it was too late -- Misskelley, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols were all arrested on June 3, 1993, and convicted of murder in early 1994.

Although there was no physical evidence, murder weapon, motive, or connection to the victims, the prosecution pathetically resorted to presenting black hair and clothing, heavy metal t-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof that the boys were sacrificed in a satanic cult ritual. Unfathomably, Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin received life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus 40.

For over 14 years, The West Memphis Three have been imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit. Echols waits in solitary confinement for the lethal injection our tax dollars will pay for. They were all condemned by their poverty, incompetent defense, satanic panic and a rush to judgment.

But there's still hope for them, and you can help.

Please join Sovereign Collective in an effort to raise legal defense funds for the West Memphis Three. WM3, an exhibit showcasing the works of multiple artists concerning the theme of the West Memphis Three, will be held on November 5th, 2009 at the Sovereign Collective gallery. All artists are invited to participate. Any works submitted will be displayed to be sold and the proceeds will be donated to the WM3 legal defense fund. All submissions must be recieved by November 2nd, and as stated, donated to the effort of this exhibition.

For further information about the WM3 please visit [link]

Send submissions to:
Sovereign Collective
1042 N High St
Columbus, OH 43201
614 947 0094
www.​​sovereigncollec​tive.​​com