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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

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🎵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.

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

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***

Rachael Geiser shares her experience working as a criminal defense investigator on some of America's most notorious trials, including the West Memphis Three case and several death penalty cases. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the methodical process of criminal defense investigation and the importance of thinking creatively when approaching complex cases.

• Currently works for the Major Cases Team at the Shelby County Public Defender's Office handling first-degree murder cases
• Joined the West Memphis Three case in 2005 when Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson funded a renewed investigation
• Developed a systematic approach to case investigation through comprehensive task lists
• Learned the importance of "thinking outside the box" from criticism by one of Jason Baldwin's attorneys
• Collaborated closely with Fran Walsh, who provided valuable input despite being based in New Zealand
• Has worked on three cases where clients received the death penalty: Jesse Dotson, Ricky Bell, and Michael Rimmer
• Believes that scientific evidence, particularly DNA testing, holds the key to solving cases where witness testimony is unreliable

👉 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 pulls back the curtain on her 26-year career as a criminal defense investigator, working on America's most notorious trials including the West Memphis Three and Lester Street cases.

• Explains the role of a criminal defense investigator who works with attorneys on first-degree murder cases
• Details how investigations have evolved with body cameras becoming standard equipment for police around 2018
• Describes her educational journey through Rhodes College and University of Memphis before entering criminal defense
• Shares how she worked on Damien Echols' case from 2005 until his release and continues to assist when needed
• Discusses her long-held opposition to the death penalty and commitment to preventing wrongful convictions
• Emphasizes that criminal defense investigation is a profession requiring specialized skills developed over time
• Explains how telling stories from her career can help others navigate the criminal justice system
• Previews future episodes that will explore her experiences with high-profile cases in more detail

Join us next time as Rachael shares her introduction to the West Memphis Three case and the extraordinary journey that led to Damien Echols' release.

👉 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