Note: This post has been edited to clarify the issue of age as a determinant of a criminal act.
We are again in the uncomfortable position of naming a juvenile in print and online. Two newsroom policies are in play here. We generally do not name juveniles who are interacting with police or the courts and we don't name people who may be victims of sex crimes. The person in this case is a pregnant 12-year-old runaway. Consent is not an issue under state law, so the question is the age of the male who impregnated her.
At least one reader has objected to the printing of the girl's name. This is a case of balancing the potential harm. We have named the girl twice this week because the Durham police have sought the public's help in finding her. The girl is not accused of an offense, but police believe that she and her unborn child are in danger.
It's great that authorities have been aggressive in seeking to prevent further harm to this child. But this story should not end when the child is found. Given the evidence of a possible crime, is anyone looking for a possible perpetrator?
Linda Williams
Senior Editor
Linda Williams is a native of Fayetteville and graduate of UNC-CH. Her journalistic experience includes working at The Oregonian, The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. She can be reached at 
