Other kids

The PENDULUMfoundation works in conjunction with other organizations to see our goals reached in all 50 states. The ultimate accomplishment for all of us would be to see to it that no juvenile is ever treated as an adult in the confines of the criminal justice system.

The cases of so many kids scattered around the country are too numerous to continue listing here. So we will limit the cases we highlight to no more than two at a time. But cases are highlighted on our message boards where you can interact and offer help. Cases such as William Thornton, sentenced to 30 years for a fatal accident, or Adam Bollenback who was sentenced by a cruel judge to 10 years in an adult prison at 16 for stealing a six pack of beer.

Case after case, story after story. So many kids, so many miscarriages of justice. It is time to stop this troubling practice and help to prevent juvenile crime rather than simply wait for it and punish harshly because of it.

Prevention is more important than punishment. All states have similar or differing laws concerning juveniles and the age of cut off. Some are as young as 12 while others took the initiative and raised that age to 18, where it should be.

We will continue to work together to reach our goals and see to it that our children are treated like children.

Life in Prison: The Felony Murder Rule in California

Brandon Hein: A symbol of injustice in California, Brandon Hein has now served ELEVEN YEARS in prison for a crime another man admitted to committing. An incredible story of injustice, waste, political ambition, and vengeance.

Visit his Website and read his tragic story.

(The following is from the official WM3.org Web Site)

Shortly after three eight-year-old boys were found mutilated and murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, local newspapers stated the killers had been caught. The police assured the public that the three teenagers in custody were definitely responsible for these horrible crimes. Evidence?

The same police officers coerced an error-filled �confession� from Jessie Misskelley Jr., who is mentally handicapped. They subjected him to 12 hours of questioning without counsel or parental consent, audio-taping only two fragments totaling 46 minutes. Jessie recanted it that evening, but it was too late� Misskelley, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols were all arrested on June 3, 1993, and convicted of murder in early 1994.

UPDATE: Latest News: Motions for a New Trial concerning the DNA have been denied for all three men by Judge Burnett.

However, hearings for Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley continue. Jason and Jessie's next round of Rule 37 hearings will be held November 19-21 in the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro. There will be no hearing for Damien Echols.

Although there was no physical evidence, murder weapon, motive, or connection to the victims, the prosecution pathetically resorted to presenting black hair and clothing, heavy metal t-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof that the boys were sacrificed in a satanic cult ritual. Unfathomably, Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin received life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus 40.

For over 13 years, The West Memphis Three have been imprisoned for crimes they didn�t commit. Echols waits in solitary confinement for the lethal injection our tax dollars will pay for. They were all condemned by their poverty, incompetent defense, satanic panic and a rush to judgment.