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Rachael Geiser recounts her role in finding crucial evidence for advanced DNA testing in the West Memphis Three case, potentially unveiling the true perpetrator after decades of controversy.

• Called by Lorri Davis in April 2021 about new MVAC wet vacuum DNA collection technology
• Helped locate evidence through FOIA request after rumors it had been destroyed
• Discovered the critical ligatures (shoelaces) in December 2021 during evidence review
• Faced legal obstacles when a judge initially denied testing due to Damien's release status
• Arkansas Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of testing the evidence
• Evidence now at Bode Technology lab awaiting results
• Drove Damien around West Memphis during his first return visit since his release
• Visited nostalgic locations including the library and his childhood trailer park
• Testing could potentially identify the real killer through advanced DNA technology
• Recent encounter with client's family who recognized the Alford plea connection to West Memphis Three

If you have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss, email Rachael at rachael@thegeiserfiles.com

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🎵Intro music: Light Years, by Georgi Krastev - license no: 6697632440 from Audiio.com

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Rachael Geiser and her involvement in the momentous release of the West Memphis Three after 18 years of wrongful imprisonment.

• Tony briefly worked as a private investigator alongside Rachael, though he struggled with people avoiding him in the field
• The West Memphis Three case reached a turning point when an evidentiary hearing was granted based on new DNA evidence
• An Alford plea allowed the defendants to maintain their innocence while being released from prison after 18 years
• Rachel witnessed Damien Echols' freedom firsthand at the courthouse on August 19, 2011
• Eddie Vedder and Natalie Maines celebrated with the defense team at the Madison Hotel rooftop
• Rachael participated in filming the documentary "West of Memphis" the day after their release
• The investigative work continued even after their release, following up on tips that came through the defense hotline
• Rachael hopes for a similar outcome for another death row client, Jesse Dotson

👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com
for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories.

⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files.

🎵Intro music: Light Years, by Georgi Krastev - license no: 6697632440 from Audiio.com

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Rachael Geiser, a criminal defense investigator with 26 years of experience, shares insights from the West Memphis Three case, and reveals how scientific mistakes and overlooked evidence led to wrongful convictions that were eventually overturned.

• Updates on the Tyree Nichols case including new trials granted in federal court
• Update on Clarence Nesbit's death penalty case where the death notice was withdrawn after years of appeals
• Interviewing Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of victim Stevie Branch, who had never been interviewed by police
• Expert pathologists unanimously concluded victims' wounds were from animal predation, not knife wounds as originally claimed
• The importance of accurate forensic science and how getting it wrong "changes the whole landscape of the case"
• Reflection on how media coverage placed the West Memphis Three case alongside another major case on the same newspaper front page

Help us continue sharing these important stories about the criminal justice system. Subscribe to The Geiser Files and join us for our next episode where we'll discuss the day the West Memphis Three were finally released.

👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com
for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories.

⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files.

🎵Intro music: Light Years, by Georgi Krastev - license no: 6697632440 from Audiio.com