When “Killed” Becomes “Dumped”: the Process of Reporting Crime

NOPD homicide investigation lakeview crime reporting
Police tape marks the scene on the 300 block of Kenilworth Street in New Orleans where the bodies of two men, shot to death elsewhere the same day, had been found on Feb. 23. (Jacob Bielanski)

Last Sunday evening, I was jumping over puddles trying to get a look at the scene of a double homicide.

Two young lives, yet again, ended for some horrible, not-so-clear reason. Well, my job is to do my best to bring clarity. That is why I was truly grateful to receive the following comment on my story later that evening:

Poorly written story. The title implies that the murders were committed in the 300 block of Kenilworth. However, you read a little bit more, and the wording implies that the people were shot in N.O. East, and the bodies were dumped in the 300 block Kenilworth. Come writers…………BE CLEAR WITH YOUR STORIES.

Continue reading “When “Killed” Becomes “Dumped”: the Process of Reporting Crime”

A Deadly Crossroads in Central City

It’s deadly down around South Claiborne Avenue and General Taylor Street–and that’s not a commentary on the crime.

In my latest piece for the Times-Picayune | Nola.com, I went to the intersection of South Claiborne Avenue and General Taylor Street to follow up on reports of a vigil. The “vigil” was for a pedestrian, Anthony Hickman, who was struck and killed by a vehicle. Once one site, I found little evidence of vigil, but plenty of evidence of a deadly situation. Continue reading “A Deadly Crossroads in Central City”