Crooked Tree: A West Memphis 3 Podcast

Paul Day and Kristin Rich
  • 5.0 (29)
  • True Crime

Welcome to this long-form podcast series on one of the most controversial and heavily debated true crime cases in American history: the West Memphis Three. In this series, Paul Day — victim advocate, evidence researcher, and longtime friend of the Byers family — teams up with Kristin Rich, a criminologist and victim advocate who has immersed herself in the case for years. Together, they embark on an in-depth journey that tells the story from the victims’ perspective. Focusing on the three eight-year-old boys — Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch — whose lives were tragically cut short on May 5, 1993, in West Memphis, Arkansas, Paul and Kristin draw on their extensive research, personal connections to the families, and deep knowledge of the victims’ personalities, family dynamics, and the West Memphis community. This series delivers fresh perspectives, previously undiscussed details, and thoughtful analysis that challenges surface-level narratives. Expect detailed timelines, evidence discussions, family insights, and open conversation as the hosts carefully unpack what happened that spring afternoon in 1993 — and why things were not as they first appeared. Whether you’re new to the West Memphis Three case or have followed it for years, this respectful, victim-focused series offers a compelling and meticulously researched re-examination. New episodes will continue building the most comprehensive account to date. Recommended prior viewing/listening: The groundbreaking documentary Paradise LostExplore the full case files at the Callahan WM3 website Subscribe now and join Paul and Kristin for what promises to be an epic, long-running exploration of truth, justice, and the events surrounding the murders of Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 11: The Devil Thumbs a Ride

    In this episode, Kristin Rich and Paul Day dive deep into one of the most intriguing and under-examined leads in the West Memphis Three case: the mysterious "Tattooed Man." On May 5, 1993, Ken Govar picked up a hitchhiker east of Little Rock. The man’s angry demeanor, inconsistent stories, terrifying tattoos (including a bone with dripping blood and a devil on its haunches), and specific request to be dropped off at a Flash Market just 1,600 feet from Devil's Den in West Memphis raised immediate red flags. Govar’s detailed police interview, composite sketches, and sharp observations paint a chilling picture of a man who didn’t add up. Kristin and Paul break down the timeline, the man’s physical description, his strange behavior, and how close this encounter was to the victims’ last known movements. They also explore a related tip involving a suspicious cab fare to Tennessee and examine the West Memphis Police Department’s handling (and public denials) of these leads. This episode examines a classic “legend” of the case alongside Bojangles Man—one that raises serious questions about certain transients, missed opportunities, and the sheer number of potential persons of interest around the Robin Hood Hills that afternoon. A must-listen for anyone following the WM3 case, true crime deep dives, or unsolved mysteries. Hosts: Kristin Rich & Paul Day – West Memphis 3 researchers and victim advocates. Available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on X and Facebook for the composite sketches and additional case materials.

  2. Jul 22

    Episode 10: Champagne, Cotten, and the Man on the Train

    In this episode of Crooked Tree, Kristin and Paul dive deep into the chaotic first days of the West Memphis Police Department’s investigation following the discovery of the three murdered boys. They examine the flurry of tips pouring in and the frantic pursuit of transients, truckers, bicyclists, and odd characters near the crime scene. From the detailed logs at the Blue Beacon truck wash and the overlooked Union 76 truck stop right by the trails, to the rapid follow-ups on individuals like Carroll Coleman, Gary Chadwick, Paul Champagne, John Connolly/James Barry, Tim Cotten, and several others, this episode lays bare how the early investigation unfolded—full of promising leads, quick clearances, lingering questions, and the heavy reliance on polygraphs and thin alibis in those critical first days. Kristin and Paul analyze timelines, physical evidence possibilities, investigative gaps, and how the focus began shifting. If you’ve ever wondered what the police were actually doing before names like Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley dominated the case, this detailed walkthrough of the raw early files is essential listening.

  3. Jul 14

    Episode 9: Rumors and Whispers

    In Episode 9 of Crooked Tree, Paul Day and Kristin Rich dive deep into the raw, unfiltered door-to-door canvassing notes compiled by West Memphis police during the critical first weekend after the discovery of the bodies of Christopher Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore (May 7–9, 1993).  From over 700 homes visited and more than 50 tips received, the episode explores a flood of neighborhood rumors, suspicious vehicles (brown Chevys, maroon cars, white vans, red trucks), strange individuals on bikes, reports of cults and Satan worshippers in Robin Hood, gunshots ringing out around 10–11 PM, a dog barking near the pipebridge, and eerie encounters that raised red flags for residents and investigators alike. Paul and Kristin analyze the patterns, inconsistencies, and standout leads—including a resident who stood out enough for an officer to document him in detail—while noting what (and who) is conspicuously absent from the early sightings. Recorded against the emotional backdrop of Mother’s Day weekend, this episode captures the fog of war in the earliest days of the investigation.

  4. Jul 7

    Q&A #2: Stevie’s Missing Hour, the Splashes & Other Listener Questions

    In this Q&A episode of Crooked Tree, Paul and Kristin tackle your thoughtful (and tough) questions about the West Memphis 3 case. They start with an important clarification on the scuff and tool marks found on the east bank of the crime scene and what those marks actually reveal about how the perpetrator(s) tried to exit the area. The conversation then dives into the iconic loud splashes heard by Ryan and the searchers in Devil’s Den, Stevie Branch’s mysterious whereabouts between 4 and 5 PM, Christopher Byers’ skateboard, the shoe prints and lone fingerprint at the scene, and much more. You’ll also hear discussion on registered sex offenders in the neighborhood, the rumor that Terry Hobbs was a confidential informant, updates on Detective Bryn Ridge, theories surrounding the Bojangles man, the other Jason Baldwin, LG Hollingsworth, the strength of the case without Misskelley’s confession, DNA and fiber evidence, knives connected to the case, and a thoughtful debate on the value and limitations of criminal profiling. As always, the hosts share their current thinking, correct earlier miscommunications, and give insight into how they’re approaching the evidence.  Note: The second half of the episode contains spoilers for topics not yet covered in the main numbered episodes. Skip ahead or save it for later if you’re listening sequentially and want to stay spoiler-free. Join the conversation and submit your own questions in the Crooked Tree Facebook group. Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey for justice.

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 8: Canvassing the Neighborhood

    In this deep-dive episode, Kristin Rich and Paul Day—victim advocates for two of the families—break down the critical hours between the boys leaving school and their disappearance on May 5, 1993. Using original West Memphis Police Department door-to-door canvassing notes, neighborhood interviews, tips, newspaper articles, and compiled timelines, they reconstruct where Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch were playing that afternoon. The hosts walk listeners through a detailed, chronological timeline of verified and probable sightings, complete with a custom map (posted in their Facebook group and on X) showing key locations in the Holiday Gardens neighborhood, cut-throughs, and the path toward Robin Hood Hills. They analyze who saw the boys (and when), when the three were together versus separated, Michael’s solo playtime, Stevie’s mysterious window around 4–5 PM, and the final confirmed movements near Devil’s Den just before 6:30 PM. Paul and Kristin discuss authentic sightings from neighbors who knew the boys by name, evaluate doubtful or conflicting reports, and highlight lingering questions—like how and why the boys regrouped at 5:50 PM. They also share tips on how to follow along with the actual police notes (PDF available in their groups) and the officers’ handwritten observations. Whether you’re new to the case or a longtime researcher, this episode is essential armchair criminology—packed with primary source details that help map the final afternoon of the victims’ lives. Perfect for true crime fans who love timelines, maps, and granular neighborhood canvass analysis.

  6. Jun 23

    Episode 7: The Bloody Stranger at Bojangles

    In Episode 7 of Crooked Tree, Paul Day and Kristin Rich dive deep into one of the most infamous and controversial incidents in the West Memphis 3 case — the Bojangles Man. On the same night the three boys disappeared, a disoriented Black man, bleeding from one arm and wearing a cast/brace on the other, entered the women’s restroom at the Bojangles restaurant on North Missouri Street. Covered in mud and blood, he left behind a chaotic scene of blood on the walls, soiled clothes, and discarded sunglasses. Manager Marty King called police, Officer Regina Meek responded while actively searching for the missing children, and the next evening Detectives Allen and Ridge followed up — yet critical evidence was never properly collected or analyzed. Paul and Kristin examine the timeline, the physical evidence (and what was lost), inconsistencies in reports, the proximity to the crime scene via the Ten Mile Bayou Diversion Channel and railroad tracks, and why this lead has haunted the case for decades. Was this man connected to the murders? Why was the response so lackluster? And what does this say about the early investigation? A must-listen for anyone following the West Memphis 3 case, the original trial evidence, or alternate suspect theories. Listen now and join the discussion in our Facebook group. What do you think happened at Bojangles that night?

  7. Jun 16

    Episode 6: Case No. 666

    In this sixth episode of Crooked Tree, Kristin Rich and Paul Day dive even deeper into the chaotic day the bodies of Michael Moore, Christopher Byers, and Stevie Branch were discovered in the unnamed creek. What began as a missing persons case instantly transformed into a high-profile triple homicide when West Memphis PD assigned the ominous case number 93-05-0666. The hosts examine the crime scene in detail: the mysterious “slicked-off bank,” footprints, a fingerprint left by someone standing in the Unnamed Creek, unusual sticks (one with a shirt wrapped around it), the children’s clothing, and the striking absence of blood at the scene. They discuss critical evidence that was collected—and the frustrating items that weren’t, including sticks, a floating glass bottle, and more. Kristin and Paul also cover the immediate police response: rapid ACIC broadcasts with sensitive (and sometimes inaccurate) details, appeals for help on transients and hitchhikers, early rumors of devil worship in Robin Hood Hills, and the media frenzy that exploded almost instantly. From neighborhood tips and the bloody man at Bojangles to the pressure mounting on investigators, this episode captures the frenzied first hours and days as the case captured national attention. A gripping look at how a small-town investigation spiraled into one of the most infamous cases of the 1990s. New listeners and longtime followers alike will find fresh insights and thought-provoking questions.  Tune in for “Case No. 666.”

  8. Jun 9

    Episode 5: Horror Behind the Blue Beacon

    In this deeply emotional and difficult episode of Crooked Tree, hosts Paul Day (forensic geologist and victim advocate) and Kristin Rich (criminologist and victim advocate) confront the heartbreaking reality at the heart of the case—the discovery of the bodies of Christopher Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore. This episode takes listeners into the wooded area near Robin Hood Hills and the unnamed creek on May 6, 1993. Paul provides a detailed, vivid breakdown of the challenging terrain—from the pipe bridge and Turtle Hill to the crooked tree, triple tree, ivy tree, and hollow tree—helping you visualize exactly where and how the search unfolded. Through crime scene audio, officer accounts, and careful narration, Paul and Kristin walk through the grim discoveries made by Detectives Mike Allen and Bryn Ridge, the coroner’s on-scene observations, the recovery of the boys’ bicycles from the bayou, and the devastating moments when the families learned the truth. This is the episode the hosts have been dreading most. They approach the subject with respect, humanity, and raw honesty, acknowledging the lasting trauma inflicted on the families, first responders, and the entire community. No detail is shared gratuitously, but nothing essential is avoided—the horror must be confronted to truly understand the case. A heavy, essential listen for anyone seeking the truth about what happened to these three boys. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Crooked Tree is dedicated to honoring the victims and seeking justice for Christopher, Stevie, and Michael. Support the families and the continued fight for answers.

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About

Welcome to this long-form podcast series on one of the most controversial and heavily debated true crime cases in American history: the West Memphis Three. In this series, Paul Day — victim advocate, evidence researcher, and longtime friend of the Byers family — teams up with Kristin Rich, a criminologist and victim advocate who has immersed herself in the case for years. Together, they embark on an in-depth journey that tells the story from the victims’ perspective. Focusing on the three eight-year-old boys — Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch — whose lives were tragically cut short on May 5, 1993, in West Memphis, Arkansas, Paul and Kristin draw on their extensive research, personal connections to the families, and deep knowledge of the victims’ personalities, family dynamics, and the West Memphis community. This series delivers fresh perspectives, previously undiscussed details, and thoughtful analysis that challenges surface-level narratives. Expect detailed timelines, evidence discussions, family insights, and open conversation as the hosts carefully unpack what happened that spring afternoon in 1993 — and why things were not as they first appeared. Whether you’re new to the West Memphis Three case or have followed it for years, this respectful, victim-focused series offers a compelling and meticulously researched re-examination. New episodes will continue building the most comprehensive account to date. Recommended prior viewing/listening: The groundbreaking documentary Paradise LostExplore the full case files at the Callahan WM3 website Subscribe now and join Paul and Kristin for what promises to be an epic, long-running exploration of truth, justice, and the events surrounding the murders of Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch.

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