Another media outlet reports "facts" without attribution, substantiation, or corroboration that may make it more difficult to prosecute the alleged shooter.
Usually, when someone is accused of a crime, media goes out of their way to say "alleged" shooter or the suspect "allegedly" shot someone, as well as inserting phrases like "police say" or "according to police". Not here.
Read the second sentence.....
"Rivera shot and killed Jacob Walerko Thursday night in an attempted robbery."
WFFT does not cite a source, instead stating for a fact that Mr. Rivera is responsible for the death of Mr Walerko.
From all indications, that is most likely the case, but it's not something a journalist would put in print or publish without citing police, prosecutors or other law enforcement official. Usually there's a trial, a jury and a verdict......just like on Law & Order on TV.
If this case does go to trial, be assured the defense will ask for a change of venue, given that "my client has already been convicted in the media" while waving around a copy of the WFFT news story during preliminary hearing phase.
You can read the story here:
http://www.wfft.com/content/news/Suspect-arrested-in-Meijer-gas-station-shooting-victim-identified-459822083.html
FWMM:
ReplyDeleteI think the press overuses the word "alleged" or "allegation"s, because it's the go-to word so they can play CYA.
I agree with your call on this, but I tend to call HOMICIDES (before the coroner) when someone gets killed, especially on the SOUTH side.
Yes, such step-skipping could lead to cases being tried out of the original jurisdiction.
Still, I think if ANY news source makes a correct call, that might put them a few steps ahead of everyone else.
(they're just "cutting out the middle man")
If the FWPD arrested Rivera and charge him with murder, I'd say that Walerko WAS indeed killed by Rivera, as someone believes there IS a level of responsibility to be found.
It should have never happened if our local judicial system was working the way it should have been.
Good post.
Stay safe out there.