Dear Editor:
I think The Dispatch owes an apology to the staff and residents
of Wheeler Manor, as well as to the community of Gilroy for the
egregious manner in which they reported the recent criminal
incident at the senior residence.
Dear Editor:
I think The Dispatch owes an apology to the staff and residents of Wheeler Manor, as well as to the community of Gilroy for the egregious manner in which they reported the recent criminal incident at the senior residence.
The sensational and fear-inspiring headline (which, incidentally was neither truthful nor accurate) was a distinct disservice to all concerned. This seems to be a pattern at this newspaper, since, on at least one previous occasion, they misrepresented conditions and happenings at Wheeler. Without checking the facts, they proceeded to report the incident in the worst and most frightening manner possible. I would hope that in future reporting of such incidents, this paper will take the time to check with knowledgeable authorities, and get their facts straight.
I will probably never see this letter actually printed in your Opinion section. But, in conscience, I had to write it.
Dawn C. Carson,
Gilroy, Resident of Wheeler Manor
Submitted Monday, Feb. 3
Editor’s note: The headline: ‘Elderly woman, raped and robbed at Wheeler.’ A direct quote from Detective John Marfia of the Gilroy Police Department: “If he’s caught, he will be charged with rape and robbery.” To say that the newspaper didn’t check the facts is patently false. Moreover, such a terrible incident stands on its own as fear-inspiring and horrific.
