To All Supporters of the West Memphis Three:

Below is a letter from John Philipsborn, Jason Baldwin's attorney,  in response to our efforts at the WM3IP to bring attention to the need for reforms in the WM3 defense fundraising apparatus.

Mr. Philipsborn' s statement, combined with the previous joint statement by the lawyers for all three defendants, affirms  that changes have begun and will continue to take place regarding the handling and distribution of funds raised in the name of the West Memphis Three.

These attorney statements, as well as statements made by Dan Stidham, original counsel for Jessie Misskelley, make it plain that the issues we raised deserved attention.  Change was needed and changes have begun.

Specifically, we called for the need for an equitable distribution of funds for all three defense teams.  Earlier this month, this process began to take place.  We called for the need for public accountability and transparency of defense funds raised and how those funds will be spent.  Last week, we were given the first indication that a mechanism is being set up to provide clarity in this regard.

When we first raised these issues months ago, there were some hard feelings expressed about our intentions and the intentions of others.  Today, as supporters, I hope that we all can continue our collective efforts as a united front in demanding justice for Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley, so that soon each one can walk out of prison a free man.

Sincerely,
Kelly Duda, President
And the board of directors of the WM3IP, Inc.

~~~

April 22, 2008

Dear Mara:

This letter follows up our recent phone conversation about Jason Baldwin's case, and about various issues that have been raised concerning the distribution of funds for the defense of Jason, Jessie Misskelley, and Damien Echols.

First, as I told you, I am satisfied that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that monies donated for the defense of Jason, Damien, and Jessie will be divided equitably. As you know, together with Jeff Rosensweig, I have probably been involved in the current defense efforts longer than any other current post-conviction attorney of record. I note this simply because it was my experience when I was directly involved in case financial issues that considerable efforts were made to ensure that monies donated for defense services, including costs of laboratory testing and the like, were spent for the purposes intended, and for the benefit of the development of evidence that can be used by Damien, Jason and Jessie in their post-conviction litigations. I believe that this effort has continued in the time since I had that direct involvement--which, incidentally, never involved managing monies for any web site. I dealt only with specific donors.

Second, at this point I believe that those engaged in public advocacy, and fundraising, in connection with this case fully understand that the lawyers involved in this case have pledged to work to make sure that resources are used equitably so that Jessie, Damien and Jason can progress with the preparation of their respective cases.

Third, each of these three young men has a number of defense-related needs, and the defense teams appreciate, and are humbled by, the support that has been shown by persons willing to contribute resources so that the enormous amount of work involved in this case can be completed.

Fourth, I do think that the recent public discussion of issues surrounding this case has underscored the need for those of us handling the defense to be accountable to donors. I have been told, and believe, that mechanisms are being put into place so that greater clarity about the donation process will exist. I can speak with authority only about the Baldwin defense. In that context I can tell you it has been our practice to treat monies provided to us in such a way that they can be accounted for. I will leave it to my colleagues to describe their own practices, but I am satisfied having spoken with them that all of us are conscious of the fact that we are being trusted with monies intended for the defense of our clients.

Fifth, as I told you when we discussed the matter, it is my personal opinion that donors want to make sure that monies provided to the various conduits for donations, whether these be individuals, organizations, web sites and the like, will be used for the purposes intended. The recent public discussion has underscored the need for transparency and accountability. My sense is that these concerns have registered.

I appreciate the great work that you have done over a number of years to raise the important questions about this case. As I told you, I am satisfied at this point from a series of contacts that I have had with a number of persons interested in these matters, that the recent joint statement of all the lawyers should be taken at face value. There is still an enormous amount of work to do, and need for ongoing support of these efforts. Thank you for your interest. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely yours,

John T. Philipsborn