March 21, 2007
WHOOPS! WE SAID WHAT?
Frances Evelyn, the janitor who was arrested Monday and subjected to extensive questioning by the police for the repeated rape and sodomization of an 8-year-old girl, was released from custody early this evening when his accuser's story was called into question as different versions began to be told and a rape kit displayed negative results. Parents were thrown into a panic Tuesday and P.S. 91's principal was removed as news of the arrest quickly spread. Counselors were brought in to talk with students. All for nothing, apparently, as police now believe that Evelyn is innocent.
I thought WNBC's quick response to news of Frances Evelyn's release was admirable. It's not uncommon for news outlets to trumpet someone's arrest and then bury ensuing news of a release a few days later. What's interesting is that I couldn't find any record of WNBC's initial story on Evelyn's arrest. Look at the red arrow in the image above and you'll see why: WNBC still considers this the same item that it released Monday evening, just an updated version two days later. That's great that they're keeping the facts current, but it seems a little disingenous to in effect purge a story and report its 180-degree opposite as an "update." That leaves the historical record a little too malleable for my tastes. And here's something else I'm curious about: what happened to P.S. 91's principal and what happens now?
Tagged: janitor, wnbcPosted by Lexiphane at March 21, 2007 5:36 PM
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