"Prevent This Tragedy" is a song by American rock band, Alkaline Trio, released on their 2005 album, Crimson.
The case became highly controversial due to all three juveniles being found guilty with what the general public believed to be a severe lack of evidence against them.
[4][5] Alkaline Trio in particular became heavily involved with a yearly awareness day for the three, while guitarist, Matt Skiba, corresponded with Damien Echols, the only one of the three men who had been sentenced to death row, in an effort to save his life.
It was a personal statement about someone who was facing imminent death as a young person.” - Matt Skiba[6]Critics have praised "Prevent This Tragedy" for helping to spread awareness for the case of the West Memphis Three.
Mala Mortensa of Alternative Press praised the song's narrative, and noted how much more emotional it is now that all three men have been released from prison, but have yet to be fully exonerated.