Comments on: Alleged Murderer Not Wearing Official Killer Uniform

By: Imaginary

Imaginary — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:31:54 +0000

Funny, the first thing that pops to mind when I think “serial killer” is a clean cut white guy… or the Joker, that girl-beating prick.

By: annimal

annimal — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:19:51 +0000

I hadn’t really thought about it before, but rich white prepster frat guys used to make me nervous too, especially when they were travelling in packs.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:39:26 +0000

Okay, I can see that. Adding “I think” probably would have been helpful–thanks for the dialogue–I appreciate it!

By: SarahMC

SarahMC — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:31:50 +0000

No, it’s not Rebecca; it’s perfectly fine. What I’m saying is that this blog post is about the media and public reaction to Markoff’s arrest. It’s not really about whether he’s truly guilty or innocent, or my personal feelings about it. Yes, I said his fiancee is in denial but the post was written from my viewpoint! Perhaps I should have said “I think.”

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:19:32 +0000

(Caveat: This is a really important issue to me. I know I’m crazy sensitive when it comes to the presumption of innocence, and I am trying to take that into account, here…)

“I could call him a murderer all day every day from now until he goes to court, and it wouldn’t have any effect on the outcome anyway.”

But it might. This blog is public, and from what I can tell, it’s pretty widely read, and fairly well respected, non?

I just got the impression that you thought his fiancee was a fool, and while I share your frustration at the notion that “clean cut” folk never commit crimes, it doesn’t give anyone except the judge and jury the right to do away with the word “if”.

If this man did commit murder, I sincerely hope he is punished appropriately for it.

If he did not, I sincerely hope he and his fiancee can have a lovely wedding.

I’m really not trying to be a jerk, or to play devil’s advocate; I hope that this isn’t coming across as a personal attack, Sarah…

By: SarahMC

SarahMC — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:58:58 +0000

I don’t really understand. I just comment on stuff I observe in the world, and what I’ve observed of this guy makes me think he’s a murderer. My blog post will not get in the way of a fair trial. What would you have me say, if not what I’ve written? I could call him a murderer all day every day from now until he goes to court, and it wouldn’t have any effect on the outcome anyway.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:54:13 +0000

You did refer to him that way, but it was this statement:

“…Ohhhkaayy. His former stepdad can’t believe it either, saying, ‘He’s a very bright, intelligent, articulate guy. I just keep thinking there must be some mistake.’”

Which bothered me, along with a couple of others in the comments. If his fiancee and his family have no reason to believe that the man they love has committed this crime, then they are absolutely right to be defending him thus far (This would also apply if the accused were poor, and of a different race, as well).

And you’re right, it is ridiculous to ask folks to never discuss murder suspects or arrests, I wasn’t suggesting that–but I do think we all need to be more cautious with how and what we say about defendants–utilizing “alleged” and “suspect” as you did, but avoiding jumping to conclusions, or allowing our language to do so.

…that’s all I’m trying to say, really…

By: SarahMC

SarahMC — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:19:24 +0000

I refer to him as an “alleged” murderer and a “suspect.”

What you’re asking is that people never discuss murder suspects or arrests, which is unreasonable.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:08:02 +0000

Just a thought:

The man has not been convicted of a crime.
We should not be presuming that he is guilty until the case is tried and closed.

And that applies to anyone who is accused, no matter their gender, race or class–”innocent until proven guilty” is vital to each and every court case.

(I just…it breaks my heart when defendants have to deal with being tried by the media–it’s bloody unjust, and if an innocent person has to go through the media presuming their guilt, it makes everything worse for them–how can they ever return to a normal way of life?)

By: Ellen

Ellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:05:08 +0000

Absolutely – I just wrote a similar post at my blog. Because he’s white, upper middle class, and educated, everyone’s head is spinning when he commits violent crimes against women. Crimes against women, particularly sex workers, transcend race and class barriers. Men from all backgrounds can be perpetrators.