Well said.
On this subject I have been personally bothered by the rights of a murdered victim/ victims.
I personally would not be a participant in the Websleuths community if my friend had not been murdered.
During the murder trial, her family chose to leave the courtroom before a graphic photo of the murder scene was shown.
As her friend, I chose to stay and view the photo in respect and advocacy of my friend as did several other female friends and advocates.
Here is the problem-
my friend’s nude raped dead body was prominently displayed on the BIG SCREEN in the court for everyone in attendance to see.
I know that there were a handful of strangers in the courtroom and I was personally extremely bothered that several male distant acquaintances were able to view the photo.
Here is the dilemma - if you are unfortunate enough to be raped and murdered apparently the whole world (or anyone who is in the courtroom during the trial) gets to see your nude dead body and all your PRIVATE parts become public.
WHY COULD THIS PHOTO NOT HAVE BEEN PASSED PRIVATELY AROUND THE JURY and to the defendant and his attorney ONLY?
In my humble opinion, there was absolutely and unequivocally no reason NO REASON that everyone in the courtroom had access to a nude photo of my friend.
Apparently there is no way to advocate for full privacy and decency for a victim? Or is there?
I remember thinking “wow, if you are unlucky enough to be a victim then you lose ALL PRIVACY -strangers get to see your nude body”
While I am personally vested in Abby and Libby’s case, and curious about what sealed documents contain, if there is anything therein that infringes on the privacy of these innocent young ladies PLEASE KEEP THEM SEALED.
PLEASE PASS PHOTOS IN PRIVATE IF LAWFUL ONLY TO JURY MEMBERS AND DEFENSE AND HIS ATTORNEYS.
No strangers should be allowed to view crime scene photos.
WE ALL NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THE VICTIMS AND THEIR PRIVACY AND DIGNITY.
Just because you were unfortunate enough to be a victim, this doesn’t give others the right to see any photos of you unless it is critical to the case- as in the judge, jury, defendant and counsel.
I hope for Abby and Libby’s sake (their privacy and dignity after death) that this doesn’t go to trial but with the defendant pleading NOT GUILTY it is certainly headed toward a VERITABLE THREE RING CIRCUS INDEED.
Murders, the victims and their parents - there is no justice for them, sadly. I think about mothers, their feelings, but mostly, their lives after the trial. These girls were loved and supported. So today, it is about: proof that the accused is “that man”. And it is for the public. And then, it is about proper punishment for him. As well as: preventing future danger to other kids, teenagers and women. Also, finding out if there were more victims.
Consider this. MOO - if, if only there were any photos of the scene taken by the perp., for sure they were posted on the dark web, long ago. So my prior concern about other sickos seeing them might be way post factum.
- I used to be the opponent of DP. I am on the fence now, after my own state considered letting out GRK during Covid times. So, don't be afraid for these murderers - they'd survive in prisons, and the time can come when we might even be scared for our kids if someone kind enough gets concerned about the killers' health during the epidemic. So, if there is DP on board in this case, and the mothers of the Delphi victims want it, it should be considered. (Then everything, sadly, has to be public. I personally won't ever read or look at the scene, but for the community, it will be important, to put things in perspective).
If the judge decided to seal the affidavit, he, and only he, has to stand by this decision. He is the public servant, on a salary, so sealing it, then pushing to general public, and finally excusing himself doesn't provide a good example of fortitude. Had to say it. It is his decision, so he has the right to stay by it.
