February 24, 2010, - 3:39 pm
Meet Johnny Depp, Criminal Investigator: Mad Hatter Movie Star Shills for Murderers . . . Again
When we last saw the bizarre Johnny Depp, he was praising criminal and murderer John Dillinger, whom he portrayed in his summer box office flop, “Public Enemies” (read my review). Depp said he could identify with the famed bank robber, who was a cop-killer. I wasn’t surprised because he’s an America-hater who prefers to live in France.
Now, on the eve of his appearance in Disney’s dark version of “Alice in Wonderland,” the anti-American Depp is identifying with some other murderers, three men accused (and convicted) of murdering three 8-year-old boys in a satanic ritual, known as the “West Memphis Three.” The murders happened in 1993 in Robin Hood Hills in Arkansas. The names of the convicted–and Depp’s latest causes celebres–are Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley. The victims: Steve Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore.
Depp is appearing on CBS’ “48 Hours Mystery,” Saturday Night, to defend the three men and proclaim their innocence. And that’s disappointing, especially for the floundering CBS News operation. “48 Hours” is known for its analytical look at the evidence in such cases and the commentary of criminal investigators, prosecutors, attorneys, and witnesses, NOT the meaningless, empty use of celebrities to tell you what they think. Depp has no connection to the case, no special knowledge. He is not a criminal investigator, an expert, or a witness in the case. He’s just Johnny Depp . . . which means you or I have as much knowledge as he does of the guilt or innocence of the men convicted in the crime.
Were the three men convicted in the murders here dealt a raw hand and wrongfully sent to the slammer? It’s possible, and sometimes that’s the case in stories “48 hours” and other media cover. And all of us who believe in freedom want the innocent to go free. But does Johnny Depp add anything to the picture? Not if you go by his comments on John Dillinger and the movie he made glorifying the guy. In fact, if that’s any indication of the guilt of the “West Memphis Three,” they’re guilty as hell.
Reader Marc writes:
Being originally from the Philly area, I’m used to the nonsense I heard from idiots like Ed Asner and others who wanted to free Mumia Abu Jamal convicted of murdering Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner. There’s no question he killed the officer, and it’s too bad he couldn’t be executed.
Now I read about another moron, Johnny Depp, who’s going to appear on CBS’ 48 Hours Mystery to argue for the release of 3 men convicted in a 1994 murder of 3 boys in a satanic ritual. Granted I’m not familiar with the case, but it just gets to me when these celebrities are ALWAYS arguing for the convicted felon, never saying a word about the victim and his/her family.
Yup, limousine liberals have bleeding hearts . . . until they actually bleed for real. Then, they want to get the guy who made ’em bleed as much as the next day.
For now, Johnny Depp is still living in Wonderland. And to call him “mad” would be an insult to the comparatively sane Mad Hatter he plays in the upcoming Disney flick.
Frankly, my favorite Depp role isn’t as pretend criminal investigator in a real-life murder case. (It’s his getting eaten by a bed in “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Yay, Freddie!)
Tags: 48 hours, 48 Hours Mystery, 8-Year-Old Boys, 8-year-olds, Alice in Wonderland, Arkansas, CBS, Christopher Byers, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley, Johnny Depp, Mad Hatter, Michael Moore, Robin Hood Hills, satanic murders, Steve Branch, three, West Memphis Three
I live in Arkansas – I understand your point about Depp and agree that he has no professional skills to contribute to this case. However; this case has smelled to high heaven since the beginning – so, just this once, I’ll plug my nose and hope he can help shine a spotlight on our judicial system here in Arkansas. Personally, I do not believe these three are guilty – the dots just don’t connect.
BTW – Debbie – I too grew up in Detroit in the early 60’s. My father was a Wayne County deputy, focusing on drugs and gangs – I could tell you stories you wouldn’t believe – about the gangs, as well as corrupt officials. We moved to the south in the early 80’s, and I thank God every day that we did. I read your column frequently – not always agreeing, but always impressed at the depth of your knowledge of current events.
Pam, Rogers, Arkansas on February 24, 2010 at 4:20 pm