From: Alan Archibaldo <alanarchibaldo@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 9:09 AM
To: EK
Subject: Sutherland Springs Massacre
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 9:09 AM
To: EK
Subject: Sutherland Springs Massacre
Dear Elaine,
I hope you are well.
A question...
Did you know any of the people who were killed in the church massacre in Sutherland Springs?
How is that community recovering?
Have you given any thought to publishing a follow-up story?
Thanks!
Alan
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10:50 AM (1 hour ago)
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Yes, we knew many of those who were killed, chief among them were Crystal Holcombe who used to work for us, 3 of her children, and her parents whose business for years was across the street from us. The Holcombe family lost nine members of their family. :(
We began that morning with online “live” updates from the scene on Facebook and web updates on the day it happened, and continued in almost every issue since with some updates or information about counseling etc.
We did NOT exploit it the way the national and “big” news media did. I think our coverage was responsible and sensitive to the community experiencing such a tragedy.
A couple of examples are here:
You can do a search on our web page for Sutherland Springs church shooting and find tons of stories,and like I said, it continues each week with pertinent information about some recognition, counseling services,or some of the injured kids coming back to school or visiting. There is always something … to remind us.
We just interviewed one of the first responders who previously has refused to talk about it. He is still considering whether he wants us to publish his story just yet. We will abide by his wishes. We wrote a couple of stories about Steven Willeford who shot the killer, ( whom mentioned only once by name.)
There is much being said on Facebook about money from fundraisers. It is hard to say who is right and who is wrong. Unfortunately, money does not heal the wounds. I think a week or two ago, we published plans for the new church and community center. People are conflicted about how it will change the profile of their community. Some would rather see a humble replacement for the church, which is now a memorial, and others are excited about a new $3 million center! … We are approaching that subject carefully.
As the anniversary approaches, I know there will be added attention from the big media. We will continue to cover it with sensitivity.
Thanks for asking. :)
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