Jason Baldwin--known around the world as part of the West Memphis Three--took the stand in his own defense Thursday during the second day of testimony in Craighead County Circuit Court and said he has always maintained his innocence.

Attorneys for Baldwin and Jessie Misskelly are trying to prove their clients deserve new trials. They claim they had ineffective counsel when they were convicted in 1994 of murdering three eight-year-old-boys in West Memphis.

A private investigator testified Thursday that he didn’t do a sufficient job for defense attorneys in the West Memphis Three case because he wasn't sure he would get paid.

For 15 years, death row inmate Damien Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley--who are serving life sentences--have been locked up.

The parent of one the boys who were murdered thought for years they were guilty, but now wants them released.

(Mark Byers, Victim Chris Byers' Father) “I believe this is going to be made right. I do not believe Damien Echols will get the death penalty. I believe Jason and Jessie will walk free.”

(Melissa Rolufs|WM3 Supporter) “Six people--six kids--lost their lives that day, and three can get their lives back if the justice system will allow it, because they are in there for a crime they didn't commit.”

Judge David Burnett said the hearings will resume Monday.

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