Plot Synopsis

THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE: AN ID MURDER MYSTERY is a three-part documentary series investigates the case of three missing young boys, who disappeared on the evening of May 5, 1993, only for the police to later uncover a triple homicide that turned into one of the most chilling cases in recent history. Police discover the bodies in what looks like a ritualistic murder scene, and with a demonic presence looming, the people of West Memphis suspect evil is living among them. Investigators quickly seize three teen suspects they believe are Satanists. The trio, later nicknamed the "West Memphis Three," seem like the obvious suspects, but with no evidence connecting them to the cult-like killings, are they truly guilty or just easily targeted outsiders?

This latest installment of ID's MURDER MYSTERY franchise delves deep inside the investigation of this triple homicide, taking a closer look at the flimsy evidence against the teens and possible motivations behind the murders. When police begin to feel the burden of solving the crimes, a circle of friends labeled as "goths" emerge as suspects: Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. Misskelley breaks the case wide open with what looks to be a full confession, and the victims' parents and community demand convictions for the brutal crimes. As preparation for the trials begin, a missing piece of potential evidence from a nearby fast-food restaurant cripples the case, and the public begins to question whether the West Memphis Three are actually guilty, or if they are being targeted just for wearing black and listening to heavy metal music. Through one-on-one interviews with those closest to the case, including an interview with one of the defendants, Jason Baldwin, this special uncovers how the three teens were convicted and later released. With courtroom footage, interrogation room audio tapes and emotional interviews with family members, THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE: AN ID MURDER MYSTERY looks at the case from all angles and shines a light on the worldwide movement that rose in hopes of liberating the trio, begging the question: if the West Memphis Three didn't do it, who did?

Along with the televised special, ID will release the accompanying digital series WEST MEMPHIS THREE: THE MISSING PIECES exclusively on IDGo. Paired with the television series, this digital episode features true-crime vlogger Griffin Arnlud as he discusses how the involvement of artists such as Eddie Vedder, Johnny Depp, Henry Rollins and Natalie Maines helped turn the tide of public opinion and ultimately free the West Memphis Three. Later, true-crime vlogger Stephanie Harlowe explores a few of the still-popular theories that attempt to explain the crime. The hope is that a new lead or a confession will finally bring peace and justice for the families of the boys. Using analysis and expert storytelling, both hosts explore what is really missing from this phenomenal case.

On Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 9pm-Mindight ET/PT, Investigation Discovery premiered the entire series, debuting all three episodes back to back:

"The Devils Work" (9pm): When police discover three 8-year-old boys murdered, mutilated and hogtied in a watery ditch in West Memphis, Arkansas, the police suspect three teenagers they believe have ties to Satanism. Soon, locals come forward with startling information.

"Satanic Panic" (10pm): When Jessie Misskelley confesses to the murder of three young boys, he, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echoles are arrested, sending West Memphis into a frenzy. The misfit teens face their accusers in a highly charged capital murder trial. The prosecution focuses on the teens' alleged satanic beliefs and explosive testimony from an expert in the occult seems to bolster their case. Damien's lawyer decides to put his controversial client on the stand.

"Triple Threat" (11pm): In 1994, Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin are found guilty for the murders of three eight-year-old boys. For the parents of the victims, the verdict is justice for a heinous crime. But two years later, when a documentary about the case questions the facts behind the convictions, a worldwide movement arises to prove the innocence and they become known as "The West Memphis Three." New evidence emerges that supports their claims, but will it be enough to set them free?