The True Crime Story "Stranger Things" is Based on

Season 4 of the Netflix series "Stanger Things" introduced a new character, Eddie Munson. He is based on the real life trial of "The West Memphis Three" - Three teens accused of murdering and sexually mutilating three younger boys as a part of an alleged Satanic ritual in 1993.

The Memphis Three incident began on May 5, 1993, in West Memphis Arkansas. 8 year olds Steve Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers were reported missing. Their adoptive father said they were last seen playing on Robin Hood Hills at 6:30pm that evening.

The following day, authorities drained a canal in Robin Hood Hills, and the bodies of the three boys were found in the muddy creek. The bodies were found naked and hogtied with their shoe laces. They were severely sexually mutilated.

The prime suspect was 18 year old Damien Echols. He and his friend, 16 year old Jason Baldwin, had previously been arrested for vandalism & shoplifting. 17 year old Jessie Misskelley was also a suspect. He had a reputation for fights at school. Misskelley and Echols dropped out.

Upon interrogation, Jessie Misskelley Jr. confessed to the murder of the boys. Shortly thereafter, Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin were arrested as well.

During the trial, the three teens were accused of committing a ritualistic Satanic murder. On March 19, 1994 they were found guilty on all three counts of murder. Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin to life in prison and Misskelley to 40 years in prison.

However, in 2007 new forensic evidence showed that genetic material was recovered that did not belong to the victims or the accused perpetrators. After a decision by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2010 and a plea bargain, the three were released after having served 18 years.

A hair tested from the crime scene proved "not inconsistent" with victim Stevie Branch's stepfather, Terry Hobbs. Another hair was consistent with Hobb's friend David Jacoby. There was no DNA evidence tying the accused to the crime scene at all.

The Memphis Three case has become emblematic of the "Satanic Panic" in the U.S. during the 1980's. Likened to the Salem Witch Trials, at this time many outcasts of society or those who did not conform to norms were labeled as Satanists.

"Stranger Things" is known for its nostalgia, and they made sure to include this movement in the 1980's by having character Eddie Munson's interest in heavy metal music and Dungeons and Dragons lead to him being labeled as a Satanist and accused of murder just like Echols.