9 Movies That Helped Solve Real Life Crimes
8. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders At Robin Hood Hills (1996)
In 1993, three youths were charged in the sexual mutilation of three prepubescent boys for an alleged satanic ritual in West Memphis, Arkansas. The three who were charged became known as the West Memphis Three, and their story was documented in the 1996 film, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders At Robin Hood Hills.
The film follows the trials of the three, beginning with Jessie Misskelley Jr. due to his confession. The documentary covered the trial while emphasizing the point that the confession was likely coerced. The trial resulted in Miskelley's sentencing to life in prison.
The film then follows the trial of Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin with a similar narrative, using interviews with the defendants, their families, and attorneys. The victim's families were also interviewed. While the film was being made, the stepfather of one of the victims gave the filmmakers a knife with blood on it.
The filmmakers turned the knife over to the police, but the DNA was determined to be inconclusive. Following the film and its sequels, a decision was made by the Arkansas Supreme Court regarding the nature of the uncovered DNA evidence.
The West Memphis Three made a deal with prosecutors to enter Alford pleas (pleading guilty while insisting on one's innocence), making it possible for their release with time served.