Unresolved: New Evidence in the West Memphis Three Case Points to Hobbs and Jacoby

Crime, Ethics, Investigations & Deep-Dives, Law

Unresolved: New Evidence in the West Memphis Three Case Points to Hobbs and Jacoby

In 1993, the murders of three boys in West Memphis led to the wrongful convictions of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, now known as the West Memphis Three. New evidence increasingly implicates Terry Hobbs and David Jacoby as suspects, reviving demands for justice amid ongoing DNA testing and community advocacy.

Ashes

May 4, 2025

4–7 minutes

May 4, 2025

On May 5, 1993, the brutal murders of three eight-year-old boys—Stevie Branch, Chris Byers, and Michael Moore—shocked West Memphis, Arkansas. Found naked, hog-tied, and submerged in a drainage ditch in Robin Hood Hills, the boys’ deaths led to the controversial convictions of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, known as the West Memphis Three. In 2011, after 18 years, they were released via Alford pleas, maintaining their innocence. Now, over three decades later, new evidence points to Terry Hobbs, Stevie’s stepfather, and his friend David Jacoby as persons of interest, reigniting calls for justice. This article delves into the evidence, the lingering questions, and how you, our readers, can help uncover the truth.

The Case That Gripped a Nation

The West Memphis Three case captivated the public through HBO’s Paradise Lost documentaries, which exposed flaws in the original investigation, including a reliance on a disputed confession from Misskelley and a Satanic panic-driven narrative. DNA testing in 2007 excluded the three from the crime scene, shifting focus to alternative suspects. Today, advancements in forensic technology and a 2024 Arkansas Supreme Court ruling for new DNA testing offer hope for resolution.

Among the unresolved clues are human bite marks on Stevie Branch’s forehead, identified in 2007 by forensic odontologist Dr. Thomas David. These marks, rare in child homicides, suggest a perpetrator with a history of abusive behavior, prompting renewed scrutiny of those closest to the victims.

Terry Hobbs: A Suspect Under Scrutiny

Terry Hobbs, Stevie’s stepfather, has emerged as a key figure due to compelling evidence:

DNA Evidence: In 2007, a hair in the ligature binding Michael Moore matched Hobbs’ DNA (1.5% population match), and another near the scene matched his friend David Jacoby. While Hobbs claims household transfer, the ligature hair’s location is harder to dismiss.
Witness Statements: Neighbors Jo Lynn McCaughey, Jamie Ballard, and Michael Ballard reported seeing Hobbs with the boys around 6:00–6:30 PM on May 5, 1993, contradicting his alibi of searching later.
Affidavits: In 2013, Billy Wayne Stewart and Bennie Guy claimed Hobbs confessed to the murders, citing family disputes. They also implicated Jacoby and others, though these claims are unverified.
Behavioral History: Allegations of domestic violence by ex-wife Pamela Hicks and neighbor Mildred French, plus an uncharged shooting incident, suggest a pattern of aggression, potentially aligning with the bite marks’ abusive context.

Despite this, Hobbs denies involvement, and no charges have been filed. The bite marks, which didn’t match the West Memphis Three, remain untested against Hobbs’ dental impressions, a critical gap.

David Jacoby: Friend or Accomplice?

David Jacoby, Hobbs’ close friend, is less known but equally significant:

DNA Evidence: A 2007 hair on a tree stump near the crime scene matched Jacoby’s DNA, placing him near the bodies. He claims it transferred during a post-discovery visit, but the timing is suspicious.
Timeline Conflicts: Jacoby confirmed being with Hobbs at his home on May 5, 1993, playing guitars, but denies searching the woods together at 6:00 PM, contradicting Hobbs’ account. His actions during the murder window (6:30–8:00 PM) are unclear.
Affidavit Allegations: Stewart and Guy’s 2013 affidavits allege Jacoby was with Hobbs, Lucas, and Hollingsworth, beating the boys after an interrupted gathering. These claims, though uncorroborated, suggest a violent context.
Behavioral Unknowns: Unlike Hobbs, Jacoby has no documented history of violence or abuse, but his alleged presence during the attack warrants scrutiny, especially given the bite marks’ link to abusive behavior.

Jacoby denies involvement, and no charges have been filed. His dental impressions, like Hobbs’, have not been compared to the bite marks, leaving his role ambiguous.

Bite Marks: A Clue to the Killer?

The bite marks on Stevie Branch’s forehead are a chilling clue. Identified in 2007, they indicate a human perpetrator, potentially with a history of physical or sexual abuse, as biting is rare in child homicides and often tied to control or aggression. The marks didn’t match the West Memphis Three, but no impressions have been taken from Hobbs or Jacoby. This oversight, combined with Hobbs’ alleged violent history, raises questions about whether either man fits the profile of an abusive perpetrator. The 2024 DNA testing, ongoing as of May 4, 2025, could include trace DNA from the bite marks, offering a breakthrough if results are released soon.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The evidence pointing to Hobbs and Jacoby—DNA, witness contradictions, affidavits, and the bite marks—demands further investigation. Here’s how we can move forward:

Await DNA Results: The 2024 DNA testing could confirm Hobbs’ or Jacoby’s DNA, potentially in the bite marks. Stay updated via the Innocence Project.
Push for Dental Impressions: Advocate for the West Memphis Police Department to request impressions from Hobbs and Jacoby, as a match to the bite marks could be definitive. Contact the WMPD to urge action.
Re-Interview Witnesses: Pamela Hicks, Jo Lynn McCaughey, and affidavit witnesses like Bennie Guy could clarify timelines or reveal abusive behavior. We’re seeking their contact information—submit tips via our contact page.
Investigate Jacoby’s History: With little known about Jacoby, we need community input on his 1993 behavior or relationship with Hobbs. Share memories via our contact page.
Amplify the Call for Justice: Join us in supporting the Innocence Project’s petition and sharing this story to pressure authorities. Every voice counts.

Your Role in Uncovering the Truth

The West Memphis Three case is a testament to the power of community-driven justice. The bite marks, DNA, and witness accounts point to Hobbs and Jacoby, but the truth remains elusive. Were you in West Memphis in 1993? Did you know Terry Hobbs, David Jacoby, or their families? Your story could be the key. Submit tips via our contact page or message us on X (@Ashes521361) with any information, no matter how small. Together, we can demand answers and honor Stevie, Chris, and Michael’s memory.

Ashes on Air is committed to fact-based reporting. All claims are sourced from credible records, and we invite readers to contribute verified information to advance this investigation.

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