Kids Incorporated

I have recently become mildly obsessed with such programming as 20/20, 48 Hour Mystery and all things Dateline on ID.  For some reason, I think I can solve crimes.  I view these shows and think to myself "Why didn't they interview the guy from McDonalds?"  or "They should've collected DNA from the countertop."  Perhaps I followed (or am following) the wrong career path.  I suppose I need to take into consideration that a crime scene would probably make me barf and crap my pants all at the same time.



This fascination began with a recently watched Netflix documentary called "Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills."  Directed by Joe Berlinger, this film retells the story of a triple murder that took place in West Memphis, Arkansas (I was just there on Monday for work).  Three young boys were found brutally slain in a drainage area, hogtied and left for dead.  The West Memphis police department immediately pointed their fingers at a group of 3 teenagers who had been collectively scorned as "trouble."

The interesting part of this documentary is how the investigation took place; COMPLETELY incorrect in execution, the prosecution had not one form of evidence against the three convicted.  As time has gone on (this took place in 1993) Johnny Depp, Natalie Maines and Jack Black have become involved in trying to help appeal and overturn the convictions of the accussed.  Two with life sentences and one charged with capital murder (sitting on death row), the state of Arkansas refuses to retry the cases.

Recently a shady alibi AND confirmed DNA findings of hair at the crime scene from one of the slain boy's stepfather is apparently not enough to reopen things.


Small town America is awesome.  Apparently anyone can become an investigator-- buy yourself a disposable camera and a pair of rubber gloves and you'll be good to go.