We all know that media can make a powerful impact on how we think.
On April 7, a 17-year-old boy was speeding down Treat Boulevard in Concord when he lost control of his Escalade and crashed into a family who were out on a bike ride, killing 41-year-old Solaiman Nuri and his 9-year-old daughter Hadessa. The 17-year-old also crashed into a fire hydrant and a building.
Any fatal accident involving a minor is big news. The fact that a minor was also the cause of the accident is even bigger news.
The media has a reputation of playing judge when it comes to cases like these. There are many stories where the media has zeroed in on and decided amongst themselves who was guilty.
This incident is no exception.
On April 9, Claycord wrote the following in an article regarding the incident, “Before killing Solaiman Nuri and his 9-year-old daughter, Hadessa, the suspect was allegedly caught speeding down Treat Blvd, according to witnesses.”
This statement doesn’t sit well with me.  By stating “before killing”, the article gives readers a feeling that it was intentional.
There are too many cases where the media will go out and pass judgment before the law does.
Claycord isn’t the only outlet accused of doing this. The media often condemns the accused before they are found guilty.
Back in 2006, three lacrosse players were wrongly accused of raping a student at a party. Nancy Grace, who has been criticized before for her comments, said, “I’m so glad they didn’t miss a lacrosse game over a little thing like gang rape.”
The three players were later cleared of a crime but Grace never formally apologized. To make such an accusation while a case is still being investigated portrays the accused in a way that may not be valid and could affect the rest of their lives.
An example of this behavior comes from Claycord’s coverage of the accident. In a post published on April 8, the article said that the suspect “called himself ‘Race Fox’ on social media.”
A nickname is hardly evidence that the collision was done consciously or is even relevant to the story at this point. Pictures of the accused’s Facebook page are posted right next to the article as if it’s some type of evidence.

The media should realize its influence and take care to not pass judgment until the accused are proven guilty, especially if the case involves a minor. Try to refrain from accusing them of a crime until the legal system does its work. Otherwise, their name will always be associated with that.

What we read online, in the newspaper or see on T.V. can easily alter our opinion. It’s time media went back to reporting facts rather than personal opinions.