Stating that she would ask around, Hutcheson agreed to "play detective.". While both cities can be considered dangerous in comparison to the national average, Memphis is a top five dangerous city, while Nashville ranks just outside the top 50. West Memphis Mayor Marco McClenon says the community must take a stand against crime no matter who it involves. This yields a total of 323 sex offenders in Arkansas per 100,000 residents which is 21% greater than the national average. It took 18 years, a deep probe into the criminal justice system, and the rallying of a town. When it comes down to it, is West Memphis safe? Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. Search for West Memphis, Crittenden County, AR police and arrest records. Good. A new analysis of violent crimes by the National Council for Home Safety and Security rates West Memphis, Arkansas near the top of the most dangerous cities in America. Memphis is divided into many blocks. Echols was sentenced to death while MEMPHIS, Tenn. A motorcyclist was killed in a wreck with a tractor-trailer in Southwest Memphis early Friday. 00%, Property Crime 2021 2022 Down 16.00%, Total Year-to-Date Crime Rate Down 17.00%. Theres no shortage of dangerous areas that tourists should stay away from in Memphis. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. Its great for outdoor activities. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Thefts and break-ins are a daily occurrence in Orange Mound. deadThree teenagers who became known as the West Memphis Three, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr and Jason Baldwin were arrested for the murders on May 17, 1993, after two of the teens had abruptly left down four days after the murders. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE AUGUST 25, 2017: Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn/Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in West Memphis is 261 to 1. However, rising crime levels have made Memphis one of the most dangerous cities in America. Aerial photo of area where bodies discovered. No two blocks are the same. Memphis has rich people, but many people live average lives making average wages. Crime risk data are updated annually. Our nationally-comparable school ratings are covered under US Patent No. Date(s) & Update Frequency: MEMPHIS, Tenn Many Memphians have seen speculation growing online of a serial killer in the Westwood community. A Memphis Police spokesperson released this statement saying in part:"At this point, no ongoing homicide investigation has been determined to be connected. West Memphis Crime. Significantly, based on the number of murders reported by the FBI and the number of residents living in the city, NeighborhoodScout's analysis shows that West Memphis experiences one of the higher murder rates in the nation when compared with cities and towns for all sizes of population, from the largest to the smallest. There is some crime, but it doesn't impact me much. It took them 18 years to clear their names. Tourist areas like Beale street are full of street performers, gymnasts, and vendors who will expect passers-by to tip them while they play music and show off their moves. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Arkansas, as well as the rest of the US. Luminol tests, which reveal the hidden presence of blood, were not performed at the scene until six days later. "I felt like Benedict Arnold. Because I was thinking, if you haven't done anything, then they can't prove you did something you haven't actually done. On May 5, 1993, Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branchall of whom were eight years oldwent bike riding in West Memphis. Performance & security by Cloudflare. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. On the evening of May 5, 1993, three 8-year-old boys disappeared from the streets of West Memphis, Ark. Echols is an author and mystic living New York with his wife, architect Lorri Davis. One of the prosecution's key pieces of evidence linking Jason Baldwin to the crime a survival knife with a serrated edge recovered from a lake behind his home has also come under scrutiny. I wouldn't do something like that. The small West Memphis Police Department didn't properly secure or process the crime scene; it was "trampled," and any evidence like footprints or blood spatter was probably destroyed. People who live in the Memphis metro area generally consider the east part of the metro area to be the safest. Later that evening, their parents reported the boys missing. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. She also stated that beyond the single meeting at her trailer, she had no further contact with Echols. RMDMWTWG - June 6, 1993 - West Memphis, U.S. - June 6, 1993 - A month after West Memphis police discovered the bodies of three 8-year-olds and two days after three local teenagers were arraigned in the murders, small red flags still dot the crime scene in Robin Hood Hills. Knowing that the police were already focusing on Damien Echols, Hutcheson asked her neighbor, Jessie Misskelley Jr., about the brooding teen and his occult connection. Note: Because the rates of crime are so low in America, we use "per . The amount of violent crime in West Memphis has increased by 36%, the amount of property crime in West Memphis has decreased by 21%, and the total amount of crime in West Memphis has decreased by 4% year over year. Damien Echols and his legal team's request of a new type of DNA testing for evidence has been denied. Select your ideal criteria and let Scout do the rest. Heavy metal music, role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and horror movies were regarded as gateways to evil. The first film gave rise to a movement devoted to reopening the investigation in hopes of exonerating, and ultimately freeing, Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jessie Misskelley. 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What are the most charming towns in Arkansas? Host Bob Ruff, who is also the creator of the "Truth & Justice podcast, noted that the mutilation led the original investigators to believe that this was a Satanic ritual.. In regards to Byers' extensive genitalia injuries, Dr. Hsu said if they had been inflicted with a knife, the wounds would be more consistent and cleaner. She said, however, that "there's a really good chance, high probability that that is purely animal activity post-mortem.". Crime. Although Damein Echols had a teenager's typical disdain for authority, he nevertheless trusted that the system would work in his favor. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Memphis police said, right now, there's no investigative evidence pointing towards a serial killer. The side of Branchs face was ripped apart, and Byers' genitals were so badly mutilated he was essentially castrated, according to the documentary special , Host Bob Ruff, who is also the creator of the, , noted that the mutilation led the original investigators to believe that this was a Satanic ritual., Ultimately, they were tried and convicted of the murders. Be forewarned this is not an article that states these Arkansas towns are completely dangerous. This took place at Cimmaron and Star Line Drive. See the table on nearby places below for nearby cities. Im really concerned about the crime in my community, said Marvin Cox, West Memphis resident. Two of the West Memphis Three's most ardent supporters were director Peter Jackson, best known for The Lord of the Rings films, and his partner Fran Walsh. It is in these distressed apartment buildings or abandoned houses that harbor most people who commit crimes. i remind you again that the victims in this case are three "8 year old" boys.you can't unsee what you have seen. I kind of enjoy it because now even after I die, people are going to remember me forever. Baldwin, 34, Echols and Misskelley, both 36, pleaded guilty to first- and second-degree murder charges while proclaiming their innocence, according to The New York Times. In a recent op-ed in the L.A. Times, Professor Jennifer L. Mnookin (pictured) of the UCLA Law School provided an analysis of how preconceptions and biases toward the unconventional suspects known as the West Memphis Three may have led to their wrongful convictions and a death sentence in Arkansas in 1994. On the morning of June 2, 1993, Jessie Misskelley Jr., a 17-year-old high school drop out with a reported IQ of 73, was taken into custody by Detective Mike Allen. Out of all the homicides, Memphis Police did say a 46-year-old man was located inside a burning vehicle on January 3. West Memphis is pretty much like a second Salem," Echols stated in the 1996 documentary Paradise Lost: The Murders at Robin Hood Hills. The 2019 West Memphis crime rate fell by 4% compared to 2018. The Story Of The West Memphis Teens Wrongfully Imprisoned 18 Years For "Satanic" Murder. "I lived 15 miles away from West Memphis and the crime scene" (2010 interview, Larry King interview). The odds of becoming a victim of a crime in West Memphis are one in nine. With less than 2,000 people, this little town brings many tourists due to its Crater of Diamonds State Park. According to the most recent data from the FBI, the total crime rate in West Memphis is 7,027.5 per 100,000 people. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 15. Echols' attorneys finally got access Tuesday to the evidence they believe can exonerate all three men. Police responded shortly after 9:40 a.m. at West Essex and Arkansas Street. However, criminals are always lurking, aiming to make a quick buck or steal from oblivious tourists. The bodies had been removed from the water and placed on the adjacent embankment, possibly disturbing physical evidence or otherwise contaminating the scene. In fact, your chance of getting your car stolen if you live in West Memphis is one in 145. The same research revealed that the number of registered sex offenders who reside in West Memphis is 60 as of 13th February 2019. Be careful when traveling in the capital city; the downtown area is popular with tourists and the Arkansas State Fair attracts visitors from all over, yet, Granite Mountain, Little Rock, AR 72206, USA. Other US patent applications are currently pending. In her recantation, Hutcheson stated that when she asked Echols directly if he had killed "those three kids," he replied, "No. Among them was a disoriented, muddy, and bleeding African-American man who stumbled into a West Memphis Bojangles restaurant men's room less than a mile from the crime scene. To remain safe, stay alert and watch your belongings while paying attention to whos around you. This town has buildings from the Civil War that were used by both sides during the Red River Campaign. Echols' disdain for authority, penchant for black clothes, and propensity to make shocking statements didn't help his plight. However, under pressure, leading questions, and scare tactics, Misskelley wove a contradictory story that first placed him at the crime scene as an eyewitness to the murders and then as an active participant. So youll get these different puncture marks, and its a mixture of punctures and scratches and so forth, she said. Over the past year, attorneys have been pushing for an opportunity to retest crucial evidence that could bring new light as to what happened nearly 30 years ago. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a123774fe70a814 Plan your vacation to Memphis during spring or fall to avoid high accommodation rates and large crowds. With that said, though, any newcomer to Arkansas or any Arkansas traveler, in general, should know which places in the state to be more careful due to crime or other unsavory factors. Night or day, it's a very safe place. '", In 1999, a more mature Echols explained the comment. I'm going against everything I believed for 14 years. Other possible suspects includedBrian Holland and Chris Morgan, two young men from Memphis, Tenn., with a history of drug offenses. I feel safe walking in most areas. As a result, officials soon pointed the finger at three local teen outcasts, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. This is a story of justice delayed and justice denied. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two men are dead and another two injured after a shooting in South Memphis on Monday. While there were some obvious differences between the Salem Witch Trials and the "West Memphis Three trials," there were a lot of distinct small characteristics. Those with any information on any ongoing investigations in the Westwood area are asked to call Crime Stoppers, (901) 528-CASH. "He is supposedly shooting them and then setting their body on fire," said the poster, echoing neighbors' concerns about a serial killer after multiple homicides in a two-month period.We reached out to Memphis Police asking if there is a serial killer and if any homicides in the area are connected. You are advised to avoid putting on expensive jewelry or flashy clothing because it brings attention to you, making it easy for pickpockets to spot and target you. Tornado activity: West Memphis-area historical tornado activity is near Arkansas state average.It is 102% greater than the overall U.S. average.. On 4/21/1984, a category F3 (max. Violent Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents), Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents). 27.50.92.141 West Memphis is in Crittenden County. All three had been submerged face down in the mud, stripped naked, and bound with their shoelaces. The knife was thrown into the lake by Baldwin's mother a year before the murders. This results in 3.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 25.8% greater than the Arkansas average and 14.1% greater than the National average. Excellent. Crime risk indices are nationally comparable on a 1 100 scale, where 100 means safer than 100% of U.S. neighborhoods. He was 62. 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There wasn't any good eyewitnesses at the crime scenes, and one main confessor that accused some innocent people after a while of interrogations. If you want to see the world, go see it! Use at your own risk. Thataintthe only crime happening in West Memphis, said Tommy Davis of West Memphis. The following day, law officers found their naked and hog-tied bodies in a drainage ditch in a forested area known as . In addition to the above, other safety concerns for visiting Memphis include: Theres cause for concern among tourists traveling to Memphis regarding their safety and well-being due to the rising criminal cases reported daily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. Two questions plagued the conservative, middle-class community: Why would anyone commit such a heinous act, and, more importantly, who? A later confession during the trial phase would prove equally problematic. Now let us turn to take a look at how West Memphis does for violent crimes specifically, and then how it does for property crimes. Redd [] The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. Also, law enforcement chose not to focus on the victims' families as the starting point of the investigation as is the norm. Pam Hobbs divorced Terry Hobbs in 2004 and has reversed her position on the West Memphis Three's guilt. Damien Echols foi condenado morte, Jessie Misskelley, Jr. a priso perptua mais duas sentenas de 20 anos, e Jason Baldwin a priso perptua. Type: County agencies. The average number of daily violent crimes in West Memphis is 4.03 times more than the Arkansas average and 6.97 times more than the daily national average. Poll. Read more about Scout's Crime Data. ", According to Devil's Knot, a week after the discovery of the bodies, Detective Don Bray interviewed Vicki Hutcheson, a truckstop employee. Most unsafe neighborhoods in Memphis are on the citys outskirts. Your chance of being a victim of crime in the Memphis metro area may be as high as 1 in 10 in the west neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 43 in the east part of the metro area. Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr, and Jason Baldwin were arrested as teenagers for killing three little boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. Dont fall for it. Property Mar 29, 2013, 01:55 PM EDT. The search engine finds the neighborhoods that are the optimum fit to the set of criteria you choose. West Memphis, AR, USA Despite the FBI statistics, there are still a lot of great things about these towns. Polygraph tests revealed deception in the answers of both men in regard to the crimes. The boys' bodies were found submerged in a creek Thursday afternoon, and their bikes were found 50 yards away in the bayou. With a penchant for wearing all black, listening to heavy metal music and studying Wicca, Echols was theorized to be the leader of a local Satanic cult that killed the boys in a disturbing ceremony. Again, you are advised to stay on guard in this part of Memphis. An estimated figure of 1,748 crimes took place for every 100K people in the city of West Memphis. Daytime or nighttime walking in Memphis is risky. Mission: The purpose of the West Memphis Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of West Memphis by preventing crime and maintaining public safety through a commitment to excellence in law enforcement for our citizens, and visitors so they will be safe, tourism will flourish, and all will take pride in this great City of West Memphis, AR. To learn more, watch The Forgotten West Memphis Three on Oxygen. Notorious motorcycle gang crews here have a reputation that goes beyond Memphis. Considering Memphis crime rate is three times higher than the national average, visitors need to be extra cautious of their surroundings and avoid straying too far into bad neighborhoods. The West Memphis Three Trial: Selected Images. Not safe at all. Topping the list of petty crimes is pickpocketing, which often happens in crowded areas on Memphis streets. He lived in a trailer park in West Memphis, less than two miles away from the crime scene. But you may have to reconsider visiting this neighborhood if you want to decrease your chances of becoming a crime victim. This is no ordinary garage: it's a rabbit hole of true crime, with a generous supply of alcohol and banter to lighten the load. MEMPHIS, Tenn. ( WMC /Gray News) - A FedEx pilot was shot in the middle of the night while asleep in bed, WMC confirmed. "I never went to West Memphis Hardly at all" (2010 interview). This is the true story of the West Memphis Three murders. Spawn is one of the most picturesque areas in Memphis. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Therefore, its easy to lose track and unintentionally end up in a risky area thats crime-ridden. "There is supposedly a serial killer in the Memphis area," said TikToker @jaymontee1. However, if you let your guard down, you can become a crime victim. Start Here North America Tennessee Is Memphis Safe to Visit in 2023? It is then determined which cities see less crime than West Memphis. The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in West Memphis, AR per 100,000 people. Property Crime Rate. Initially, Misskelley repeatedly denied having knowledge of the crime, aside from rumors that Damien Echols was involved. They were released on Aug. 19, 2011. That didn't make sense to me. MEMPHIS, Tenn. West Memphis citizens are voicing their concerns following the recent rise in crime. At this time, West Memphis sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities. Other petty crime cases expected in the city include vandalism, robbery, mugging, theft, and breaking into cars. The three eight year-old boys, Christopher Byers, Stevie Branch and Michael Moore were found in a ditch on May 6, 1993. Over the course of the initial investigation, a number of alternate suspects and scenarios came to light that were largely ignored or otherwise dismissed by authorities. The Crime Scene. Gun violence, homicides, burglaries, aggravated assault, theft, and gang wars are some of the highest occurrences reported in this category. Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon. Extremely safe. Crittenden County Sheriff's Office. However, when it narrows down to facts, Raleigh has a violent crime rate of2,042 violent crime casesreported per every 100,000 people, which is too high to ignore. Are you set to travel to Memphis soon? One street may look friendly, safe, and kempt, and the next street, barely a stones throw away, will be ridden with criminals, dingy neighborhoods, and sketchy people. final ***warning*** this section solely contains very graphic, very real images of the victims dead bodies. Fairly safe. Our nationwide meta-analysis overcomes the issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors. If you find yourself in Spawn, beware of people standing on the street corners, even if they appear to be kids. Additionally, Dr. Hsu noted that clawed animals such as turtles will dig their appendages into a food source to gain traction while theyre eating. Updated annually. According to the website OnlyInYourState.com, FBI stats indicate West Memphis, Arkansas is the fifth most dangerous city behind cities such as Little Rock and Helena-West Helena. How safe do you feel in this area? Arkadelphia. However, there are a few safe neighborhoods where you can find secure accommodation, but many are super expensive. This town has kept its old-fashioned charm throughout the years and is known for farmers living off the land. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Not very safe. The first being that boys were killed by someone they knew. Reaching its apex in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Satanic Panic was a wave of paranoia rooted in the belief that Satanic cults intent on corrupting the souls of the young had infiltrated American society. However, as long as you stick to the touristy areas, youre in the best position to have a safe to and fun vacation. Baldwin is the co-founder of the legal advocacy organization Proclaim Justice. There is a significantly high number of homeless shelters /people in Memphis, which can attract addicts and gang members who seamlessly blend in. Memphis welcomes close to 10 million visitorsannually. The Violent Crime report showed eight homicides that year and 59 aggravated assaults. That there were three victims was a link to the biblical number of the beast. "The reason I made the West Memphis boogeyman comment during the first film was because I was making light of the situation," Echols says in Paradise Lost 2: Revelations. The top areas in Memphis you should avoid include: Downtown Memphis has thousands of people crisscrossing the streets, making it the perfect breeding ground for pickpockets and buglers. Currently, there are no travel advisoriesthat the government has put out on Memphis. This towns Commercial Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and has buildings as old as 1870. Tourists are as much a risk as the locals because criminals will target vulnerable people. Importantly, we found that West Memphis has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation according to our analysis of FBI crime data. Another incident involved a 15-year-old boy being shot multiple times outside an apartment complex on January 6. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A FedEx pilot was shot in the middle of the night while asleep in bed, WMC confirmed. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. However, theres always a disclaimer for tourists to remain extra vigilant while exploring Memphis rich culture and history. Ultimately, they were tried and convicted of the murders. This town has a lovely historic district with Victorian buildings and has treehouse stays. 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