A life interrupted.
That’s exactly what Jason Baldwin, one of the West Memphis Three, experienced.
Baldwin, along with Damien Echols and Jesse Misskelley Jr., were released last year from prison after serving 18 years for a crime they didn’t commit.
Following a controversial trial concerning the murder of three eight-year-old boys that gained national publicity, Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley’s situation perked the interest of HBO, who have broadcasted three documentaries exploring this case titled “Paradise Lost,” “Paradise Lost 2” and “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory.”
On March 26, Baldwin will share his story with Belmont in a convocation lecture at 10 a.m. in the Massey Boardroom. A showing of “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory,” a 2012 Oscar nominee, will also take place at 7 p.m. in the Bunch Library Multimedia Hall. Baldwin will be present for the screening.
In between, Baldwin will be speaking at a special luncheon for the College of Law faculty and students.
This faith and development convo is part of a mini-series titled the Christian Faith in Law Sessions, developed by Dr. Todd Lake, Vice President for Spiritual Development, Dr. Jason Rogers, Vice President of Administration and University Counsel and Dr. Jeff Kinsler, Dean of the College of Law.
Each event in the series is specially designed to incorporate a faith message into law.
Since the law students do not attend convocation, developing a series that demonstrates a look at justice and shows faith in the profession was important, Lake said.
Lake believes that this mini-series fits under the same umbrella of faith development that the other convos do.
“Just like our other events, this one answers the question ‘How do you live out and grow your Christian faith in what God has called you to be professionally?'” he said.
“Mark Osler and Jeanne Bishop: Jesus on Death Row,” the first lecture in the Christian Faith in Law series, will be held on Feb. 24 in Beaman A/B at 10 a.m.