Mom talks evidence, film in WM3 case

Blytheville native Pam Hicks has lived since 1993 with the ups and downs of losing her son, 8-year-old Stevie Branch, to murder -- and the consequent turmoil that has since surrounded the case of the West Memphis Three. But this week, she went to court as part of lawsuit that she says she hopes will finally bring her some peace.

Hicks said that she and her attorney have filed suit against the city of West Memphis, using the Freedom of Information Act in an attempt to have all the case's evidence released. She said she was never allowed to view any of the evidence collected at the scene or during the investigation into the murder of her son and two other boys, and she feels it is her right to do so, but she is having to resort to legal action.

"We went to court yesterday [Wednesday], and there hasn't been a ruling yet, the judge needed more time," she said. "I know we'll be back in court again before it's over but I'm not sure when right now. I'm excited because I feel like justice is finally going to be done. I want to see the evidence in the murder of my son, I want to see it all -- but especially my son's, because I was never even asked to identify anything. This has been going on for 20 years, and at one time I thought they [the West Memphis Three] were guilty, but now I know they are innocent -- I've met them and I feel peace about that. I feel that those three guys were railroaded by the state of Arkansas into taking that Alford plea, and I'm excited that I'm finally in court against the city of West Memphis and the state of Arkansas."

She said Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington has been summoned in the case, and she is concerned with his level of truthfulness in the matter because of his ongoing political campaign.

"I feel like he is only concerned with his campaign, and I fear for him being elected, because then he would just be able to keep all of this under the rug," she said.

Hicks has also been busy with the recent release of "West of Memphis," a documentary film released this year about the boys' murder and the West Memphis Three case. A Peter Jackson production, the movie is was featured at the 2012 Sundance and Toronto film festivals and is being released in New York and Los Angeles in December. Special screenings were held in Blytheville last week and this week, and Hicks attended Tuesday night to address viewers.

"I'm very proud of this movie," she said. "I worked with the director, Amy Berg, for a while on it, and they were able to get in touch with people from way back when who are connected with the case. I thank Peter Jackson and the whole crew for the opportunity I had to go to Utah to a screening, and for them sheltering me from scenes I didn't need to see. I went Tuesday night here in Blytheville and told everyone there that they should just watch it and form their own opinions about what happened. I'm just in this now for justice for my baby and his friends, and for Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley."

Since the release of the three men who served prison time for the murders, their attorneys are continuing to seek information that could lead to identifying the real killer. A $200,000 reward is currently being offered for new information leading to an arrest and conviction, and a confidential tip line has been set up for that purpose. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to call 501-256-1775. Hicks said she hopes the people of the area can come together and help solve this crime.

"Maybe if people work together with what they know," she said. "So many people have already been so kind, generous and loving over the years. We've been fighting for justice, and maybe now justice will prevail. ... I'm proud to be from Arkansas and Mississippi County, and I'm proud of my local hometown law enforcement, they're doing the best job they possibly can."

Having spoken with local people at the film screening this week and answering their questions, Hicks said she is planning a barbecue and get-together for her family this weekend, and any area residents who wish to meet her or talk to her about the case are invited to stop by their residence behind the Blytheville flea market on Highway 61, starting at 2 p.m. Sunday.

"I will be barbecuing and we'll have a band, just a fall festival type get-together," she said. "And I'd be happy to meet and visit with anyone who is interested in the case. I'm just hoping that now we can finally have peace."

sharris@blythevillecourier.com