U.S. Edition
It was a case that shocked the country nearly 20 years ago. Three teenagers known as the West Memphis Three were convicted for the murder of three 8-year-old boys. Two were sentenced to life in prison, while the third, Damien Echols was labeled the ring leader and he was given the death penalty.
Last August, all three men walked free but only after they entered an Alford plea, a legal loop hole that frees them without exonerating them. Damien Echols describes his time on death row and what led to the conviction in his new memoir which is called "Life after Death."
Damien joins Soledad and the "Starting Point" team to talk about losing two decades of his life behind bars, and why he says found blessing in his turmoil after he met his wife.
What is the difference between the "Alford plea" and a "no Contest" please? Why is CNN giving a convicted murderer time on their network to sell his book or memoir? Don't all convicts swear they are innocent? What presidence does this set?
CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
Starting Point airs weekdays from 7am to 9am ET on CNN. Check in often to join the daily conversation.