Preliminary tests determined that the blood was consistent with both his and his late son's. A forensic expert testified that the weapon could feasibly have caused some of the wounds found on the boy's bodies. Frankly, we never thought we'd be able to afford the rights and we knew they must get thousands of requests, but we decided still to put in the call as the music formed such an integral part of the film for a number of reasons. It was also the first time Metallica had ever given permission for their songs to be used in a soundtrack, in spite of many big-budget offers in the past. Echols still has the note among the few possessions he is allowed to keep with him on Death Row.
All parties are currently in negotiations.
Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley, however, will not - although the sequel will show how they have taken several small steps to freedom. At a recent hearing, forensic expert Brent Turvey testified that there were bite marks on the face of one of the dead boys. When dental impressions were taken it was discovered the bite marks did not match any of the accused. Byers Sr has also since lost his teeth. Berlinger maintains that Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were convicted on the presumption that rock music and its attendant imagery go hand in hand with devil worship - and, in this case, murder.