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Untying the Knot : John Mark Byers and the West Memphis Three
On May 5, 1993, second-graders Christopher Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore disappeared from their West Memphis, Arkansas, homes. The following afternoon, their nude, beaten, and bound bodies were discovered in a drainage ditch less than a mile
- GenresTrue CrimeCrime
507 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 26, 2014
This expertly researched and referenced, book authored by Greg Day: "Untying the Knot: John Mark Byers and the West Memphis Three" further documents the WM3 case with new evidence, and is also focuses on the most outspoken parent John Mark Byers, a father who lost his 8 year old son Christopher, along with Steve Branch and Michael Moore. The boys were tragically murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas on May 5, 1993. The WM3 case remains unsolved.
In all the documentaries of the WM3 case, the parents of the boys have been involved in these productions in various degrees. JMB has been highly/largely filmed, his grief, despair, and outrage, dramatically portrayed. He was quick to curse and condemn, and also the highly outspoken parent later to admit the three men charged in the WM3 case were innocent.
All of these things understandably took a tremendous toll on JMB. Day portrays the parent of a murdered child in a way that wasn't filmed in the documentaries, or written about in other books. In addition, JMB life was plagued by poverty, petty crime and assault, alcohol and substance abuse, numerous physical and mental health issues. Mark lost his wife Melissa (1996) less then 3 years after Christopher's death. For him to be accused of involvement in either his sons murder or the (undetermined) death of Melissa, (many agree) is terrible- unbelievable and unthinkable.
After serving time for drug charges at Brickeys, the most severe and dangerous prisons in the state of Arkansas, JMB left prison (following his transfer) in Dermott, AR on August 29, 2000 with supervised parole. Day writes a hard brutal account of the horror of prison, JMB couldn't help emerge a changed and different man, he hasn't returned.
It was distressing to read many of the things that happened to JMB, he was eligible for disability payments over the years. On June 1, 2003 he and Jacki were married in Eureka Springs, AR. The profound pain and loss of Christopher will be with him always, Mark is dedicated to finding the killer of his son.
Greg Day met JMB in 2000, and is a native of Long Island, NY. He is the father of three adult children and lives in the Washington DC area with his wife of over 31 years.
Remembering:
Christopher Mark Byers ~ June 23, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
Steve Edward Branch ~ November 26, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
James Michael Moore ~ July 27, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
In all the documentaries of the WM3 case, the parents of the boys have been involved in these productions in various degrees. JMB has been highly/largely filmed, his grief, despair, and outrage, dramatically portrayed. He was quick to curse and condemn, and also the highly outspoken parent later to admit the three men charged in the WM3 case were innocent.
All of these things understandably took a tremendous toll on JMB. Day portrays the parent of a murdered child in a way that wasn't filmed in the documentaries, or written about in other books. In addition, JMB life was plagued by poverty, petty crime and assault, alcohol and substance abuse, numerous physical and mental health issues. Mark lost his wife Melissa (1996) less then 3 years after Christopher's death. For him to be accused of involvement in either his sons murder or the (undetermined) death of Melissa, (many agree) is terrible- unbelievable and unthinkable.
After serving time for drug charges at Brickeys, the most severe and dangerous prisons in the state of Arkansas, JMB left prison (following his transfer) in Dermott, AR on August 29, 2000 with supervised parole. Day writes a hard brutal account of the horror of prison, JMB couldn't help emerge a changed and different man, he hasn't returned.
It was distressing to read many of the things that happened to JMB, he was eligible for disability payments over the years. On June 1, 2003 he and Jacki were married in Eureka Springs, AR. The profound pain and loss of Christopher will be with him always, Mark is dedicated to finding the killer of his son.
Greg Day met JMB in 2000, and is a native of Long Island, NY. He is the father of three adult children and lives in the Washington DC area with his wife of over 31 years.
Remembering:
Christopher Mark Byers ~ June 23, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
Steve Edward Branch ~ November 26, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
James Michael Moore ~ July 27, 1984 - May 5, 1993 ~
July 15, 2014
Having read extensively about the West Memphis Three and the murders that took place in West Memphis, I was eager to read this book. The story is constructed in an odd way - the reader is initially led into the conclusion that Mr. Byers committed the murders, and then it becomes very apparent that he did not and a new suspect emerges.
A lot of this is rehashing of the "Paradise Lost" films, which the author is very critical of, which I found to be an interesting viewpoint. I was entranced by these films and never really stopped to think that the "reality" in them might be as real as what is on Reality TV these days (i.e. NOT real).
Overall, Mr. Byers has had a sad, dramatic life, and it seems he is just another casualty to this (in my mind) still unsolved case.
A lot of this is rehashing of the "Paradise Lost" films, which the author is very critical of, which I found to be an interesting viewpoint. I was entranced by these films and never really stopped to think that the "reality" in them might be as real as what is on Reality TV these days (i.e. NOT real).
Overall, Mr. Byers has had a sad, dramatic life, and it seems he is just another casualty to this (in my mind) still unsolved case.
August 31, 2012
iUniverse published author Greg Day does a great job of fairly and clearly examining the details of the case. He picks apart bias in the communities and sloppy work by the police. The book focuses on the father of one of the victims, and how he turned from being the most vocal to condemn the three defendants, to becoming on of their most outspoken supporters of their innocence. This book is a fascinating look at the case and a must read for supporters and followers of the cause.
February 22, 2013
Having followed this case for year s I was determined to read this book to the end.Found it a bit of a hard slog, with all the references to check in back of book. Despite this I did find it an interesting read and glad I stuck to it!!
March 11, 2013
Interesting to read the other side of the story. I don't know how I'd react if I was the parent of a murdered child. If you're a WM3 follower I'd say this is a must read.
February 22, 2022
If you already know every detail, or even a decent amount, of the WM3 case and want to delve deeper into the backstories of the parents, Untying the Knot is a great starting point. While the author's own personal viewpoint on the case does occasionally shine through, he is human afterall, the book definitely provides a interesting look into the complex and often sad life of Mark Byers including the good, bad and the ugly.
If you are seeking information on the case, this isn't the book. If you want to get an idea of why Mark Byers behaved the way he did, Greg Day does an excellent and well researched job of providing that information.
If you are seeking information on the case, this isn't the book. If you want to get an idea of why Mark Byers behaved the way he did, Greg Day does an excellent and well researched job of providing that information.
October 27, 2017
I do not normally enjoy true crime that leaves the crime unsolved, but this tale of injustice was riveting.
April 16, 2015
I chose ‘Untying the Knot’ as the starting point for obtaining information about the West Memphis 3, as I have not followed the case, and other than peripheral information regarding the case and it’s appeals etc., I had very little knowledge about the murders and accused, and wanted to know more.
From reading this book, I wouldn’t recommend it as the best place to start. The book is upfront in its association with Mark Byers, the stepfather of one of the murdered boys, Christopher. However perhaps my understanding of this association was wrong, as I had anticipated that the prescence of Chris’s father would provide an in depth analysis of the crimes and his own research into the murders. What did he think on the night? Did the police botch the investigation? How did he manage to maintain a life whilst being scrutinized by the media, his community and the judiciary? This was what I was expecting when I chose ‘Untying the Knot’ as my starting point.
The book, however, does not deliver on these points, and has a strange narrative. The first third of the book itemizes the crime that occurred, from a perspective where you’re meant to know all of the details. Much more of the book was used to walk the reader through Marks life, from the marriage of his parents to his marriage to Chris’s mother, Melissa. Whilst this is happening, I’m reading the book thinking ‘what does this have to do with the crimes?”.
Mark as a suspect doesn’t seem like a particularly strong case. He has air tight alibis, and a lot of what he carries on about seems more likely to be the ramblings of an unwell, grieving father than guilt.
The book also spends a fair amount of time talking about “Paradise Lost” and it’s versions of the truth. I presume that the documentary provides Mark as an alternative suspect, and that he was manipulated in the film to be demonized, causing additional issues for him that he probably could have lived without.
Mark doesn’t come across as particularly verbose, and indeed the most you can say about him is that he’s a simple guy who has been placed in the sights of some sophisticated people who took advantage of his grief and personality to further their agenda.
At the end, the book briefly touches upon the WM3’s appeal, fundraising and celebrity endorsements. There’s a little bit about their release and their lives post incarceration, but by this stage there is a biased slant to the writing, and you’ve sat through some strange chapters in order to get to the part you assumed you’d be reading all along.
I would suggest that there’s probably better books out there, and that this one is best for the die hard followers who want to listen to Mark’s side of the story.
From reading this book, I wouldn’t recommend it as the best place to start. The book is upfront in its association with Mark Byers, the stepfather of one of the murdered boys, Christopher. However perhaps my understanding of this association was wrong, as I had anticipated that the prescence of Chris’s father would provide an in depth analysis of the crimes and his own research into the murders. What did he think on the night? Did the police botch the investigation? How did he manage to maintain a life whilst being scrutinized by the media, his community and the judiciary? This was what I was expecting when I chose ‘Untying the Knot’ as my starting point.
The book, however, does not deliver on these points, and has a strange narrative. The first third of the book itemizes the crime that occurred, from a perspective where you’re meant to know all of the details. Much more of the book was used to walk the reader through Marks life, from the marriage of his parents to his marriage to Chris’s mother, Melissa. Whilst this is happening, I’m reading the book thinking ‘what does this have to do with the crimes?”.
Mark as a suspect doesn’t seem like a particularly strong case. He has air tight alibis, and a lot of what he carries on about seems more likely to be the ramblings of an unwell, grieving father than guilt.
The book also spends a fair amount of time talking about “Paradise Lost” and it’s versions of the truth. I presume that the documentary provides Mark as an alternative suspect, and that he was manipulated in the film to be demonized, causing additional issues for him that he probably could have lived without.
Mark doesn’t come across as particularly verbose, and indeed the most you can say about him is that he’s a simple guy who has been placed in the sights of some sophisticated people who took advantage of his grief and personality to further their agenda.
At the end, the book briefly touches upon the WM3’s appeal, fundraising and celebrity endorsements. There’s a little bit about their release and their lives post incarceration, but by this stage there is a biased slant to the writing, and you’ve sat through some strange chapters in order to get to the part you assumed you’d be reading all along.
I would suggest that there’s probably better books out there, and that this one is best for the die hard followers who want to listen to Mark’s side of the story.
September 4, 2024
This is probably the man who killed three little boys. He would be my top suspect. He was killed in an automobile accident this year (2020), about a mile from the house he shared with his brother in a single car wreck. No details on this but working on it. It appears he ran off the road. But I know that spot well.
Lots of people dismiss him as a possible suspect because they believe he had alibis. All alibis were really by his wife who is also dead. His stepson Ryan, offered no real alibi for Mark Byers. Of the three children murdered, his stepson (he adopted him) was the most at risk child and his head wounds are different from the other two children. Also his hands are very different. Lots of differences if you can view autopsy photos of the bodies as I did. I am not even sure this child drown. I think this child was killed first, maybe even earlier than we think.
Mark was a pathological narcissist and a drug dealer. He was also a drug user and a drug informant for the WMPD at one time. ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, natural, adopted, and stepchild believe that Mark Byers is guilty and ALL OF THEM are absolutely terrified of him. At the time of the crime, from interviews I have done, many people in the neighborhood believed that John Mark Byers was the killer. Also, one last and important aspect of my research. There is absolutely no sound evidence that Chris Byers was with Stevie Branch and Michael Moore at 14th and Goodwin around 6-6:30. This is false information kept alive by myth and predicament.
I will continue to gather information on this case as time permits. I will continue to do interviews and research. I have three other suspects. But those three are not as believable as Mark Byers. But as always, I cannot be sure at the time of this writing and therefore I continue work on this case. Mark Byers continues to be the best bet. If I am wrong I will be willing to admit it.
Lots of people dismiss him as a possible suspect because they believe he had alibis. All alibis were really by his wife who is also dead. His stepson Ryan, offered no real alibi for Mark Byers. Of the three children murdered, his stepson (he adopted him) was the most at risk child and his head wounds are different from the other two children. Also his hands are very different. Lots of differences if you can view autopsy photos of the bodies as I did. I am not even sure this child drown. I think this child was killed first, maybe even earlier than we think.
Mark was a pathological narcissist and a drug dealer. He was also a drug user and a drug informant for the WMPD at one time. ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, natural, adopted, and stepchild believe that Mark Byers is guilty and ALL OF THEM are absolutely terrified of him. At the time of the crime, from interviews I have done, many people in the neighborhood believed that John Mark Byers was the killer. Also, one last and important aspect of my research. There is absolutely no sound evidence that Chris Byers was with Stevie Branch and Michael Moore at 14th and Goodwin around 6-6:30. This is false information kept alive by myth and predicament.
I will continue to gather information on this case as time permits. I will continue to do interviews and research. I have three other suspects. But those three are not as believable as Mark Byers. But as always, I cannot be sure at the time of this writing and therefore I continue work on this case. Mark Byers continues to be the best bet. If I am wrong I will be willing to admit it.
February 19, 2016
This clunkily written take on the West Memphis Three case uses John Mark Byers as the fluctuating focal point, and the author seems to have difficulty presenting an unbiased narrative. In Day's defense he does stabilize a bit near the final chapters, but that is largely when yet another primary suspect becomes prominent.
There is a lot of information tossed in here, much of it interesting, even if Day's presentation is somewhat cluttered.
I still recommend Mara Leveritt's exceptional 'The Devil's Knot' as the definitive primer.
My real reason for getting this book is that I'm mentioned in the footnotes (for an interview I did with filmmakers Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger). So there's that...
There is a lot of information tossed in here, much of it interesting, even if Day's presentation is somewhat cluttered.
I still recommend Mara Leveritt's exceptional 'The Devil's Knot' as the definitive primer.
My real reason for getting this book is that I'm mentioned in the footnotes (for an interview I did with filmmakers Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger). So there's that...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews