Several readers were unhappy with The N&O for publishing the Eve Carson autopsy report today. See the story here.
The story was sensationalistic, they said, and served the purpose only of selling newspapers.
"Maybe you could explain why it was of importance to the public to know that she was shot in the face several times." wrote Patrick Beach. "This case still hurts me to the core, and having a newspaper drag it on does not help with my emotions."
The report was released Monday, after The N&O went to court seeking its release under the state Public Records law. The report did add some details that the public hadn't known before: Carson was shot five times in various places, and two weapons were involved.
In addition to the story, The N&O also posted on its website the Medical Examiner's report itself, which included graphic details about the wounds to her body. Several people objected to that.
"More than I needed to know!" wrote Lois Boynton, a journalism ethics professor at UNC. "Yes, there's a disclaimer, but it still is quite brutal to see."
Boynton actually was referring to an autopsy report posted on the WRAL website, and she later said she could see some "sunshine" value in The N&O posting the report. But I agree with her first instinct - why did we need to see the graphic details on the N&O site? I don't think The N&O would have published such detail in its print edition.
But I agree with publishing the story, online and in print. It was news. The story included key information that added to readers' understanding of the case, and that's what newspapers should do. Just not in gory detail.
P.S. If the paper wanted to sell more copies, it would have put the autopsy story on Page 1, not Page 3B.
Mark Schultz, The N&O's editor in Orange County, said he supported posting the autopsy report. So did the deputy medical examiner, Schultz said.
"I don't think we're in the business of keeping people from information," Schultz said.
Comments
Wish I could have her
Tue, 07/28/2009 - 03:02 — makemineWish I could have her medical report
medical health
Carson Autopsy Report
Thu, 07/03/2008 - 08:09 — Dewman (not verified)As hard as it is to deal with such graphic information and the emotions we all feel when we read about how this young woman's tragic life ended, not making such records available and public is a real danger. The more we hide, seal, cover, the more likely we make bad assumptions, come to the wrong conclusions, and make the wrong decisions about things that matter.
I feel for Eve Carson's family and friends. I cannot begin to imagine what they have been through and what they will go through in the days ahead.
But sealing records and closing doors and keeping matters that involve the public, private, serves no one.
Morons In Chapel Hill who want to cover up the Autopsy
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 18:58 — Mo (not verified)If the jackasses who read the N&O were unhappy about you guys publishing the story they will be REALLY unhappy with MO.
Here is MO information on Eve Carson than you want to know
http://moronsinchapelhill.com/
www DOT MoronsInChapelHill DOT com
Eve Carson
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 08:00 — Anonymous (not verified)When I read this report I was deeply saddened that this college kid had to go through so much before her death. This article in itself says alot how the media, news and observers doesn't care how it affects the world. I want you to know this article will be etched in people's minds for a very long time. Next time think Long AND HARD before you release the autopsy report. My prayers go out to the Carson Family, May God comfort you in the days, months ahead.
Concerned Citizen of Raleigh
Hypocrisy
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 07:56 — Mitch (not verified)So let me understand this. We have a need to know the "news" of what is in this horrific report so the N & O must publish it. But yet this same paper refuses to reprint the Mohammed cartoons because that is somehow not "news" despite its original printing leading to rioting and deaths among muslims across the middle east. This is liberal media hypocrisy at its core.
Not fit to print
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 07:07 — cornaxI truly do not know how Eve Carson’s family is able to cope with the tragic and senseless loss of a precious daughter and have that tragedy compounded by the self-righteous press printing the gory details of the event. Who’s right to know are you trying to serve? The pervert who is fascinated by this kind of gore? The person who stops at traffic accidents in hopes of seeing the blood and guts? The deviant who is thrilled by violence and is planning a murder more gruesome than this one? Or maybe it was their gang buddies who sat around high-fiving themselves at what the brothers did to the white chick.
The New York Times for over one hundred years displays the following on the front page of every edition: “All the news that is fit to print”. The news was not fit to print.
Autopsy Report
Tue, 07/01/2008 - 19:32 — Anonymous (not verified)Too bad she didn't have a shotgun, she could have SHOT THEM IN THE FACE!