Why do some murder cases receive more press coverage than others?

Question

I was watching CNN where they spent an entire hour talking about the JonBenet Ramsey case (they still could be talking about it, but I turned off the TV). That's when I got to wondering why some cases get all this national attention (such as this one, even 10 years later) while other cases only get a little paragraph in the local newspaper?

Just to make things clear: I'm not being negative about ANY case being reported. They are all just as sad and my question was why this one is getting so much attention.

Answer 1

Let me clue you in on something - fact that is embarrassing but true.

1. If a cop gets murdered, count on a near 100% arrest rate within 72 hours.

2. If pretty Caucasian women are murdered, their case is more likely to be investigated to conclusion than a black woman

3. Crimes involving those who make more than $100K a year (the person getting killed makes more than 100K), almost always receive more attention from the press and the police.

A dirty little secret. Racism, pure and simple. This and the powerbase demand more of the police. A case in point - two Mexican migrant women was murdered in my community. No arrests - cold case after 8 months. A white male businessman was murdered not far away. Massive police involvement (2/3rds of the detective squad verses a single detective for the case involving the Mexican migrants).

You can do something about it. Don’t let the case die. Call the press, get involved. Nothing makes the police act quickly than bad press. Drill the investigating officer and chief for results. Chief’s typically serve at will of the city council or city manager. If you aren’t getting results, get the press involved and demand the chief be fired. If necessary, play the race/sex card, nothing gets civil servants more squeamish than being labeled a racist. With the number of unsolved murders in Oakland, I would guess that Chief Tucker will be looking for a new job soon.

Once an arrest is made, put pressure on the prosecutor for results. They are elected officials as well. As the victim, you must mobilize the community to your cause. Otherwise, public officials sweep it under the carpet and move on.

JonBenet got all of the resources and the press because she was a pretty rich white girl. Had she been a chunky black girl from Harlem, you can guarantee very few resources would have investigated the crime.

Expect – no – demand that civil servants – the cops and DA’s office produce results. Accept nothing less.

Answer 2

Well if you finished watching CNN, you would have learned that they have a suspect in her murder that they are searching for. Supposedly, he is living somewhere in Taiwan. But I do agree with the people above me that only the pretty white girls get press coverage. I'm sure we'll still be hearing about Natalee Holloway for many years to come.

Answer 3

Ratings and sensationalism my friend. Everyone is outraged when a child is abused/molested/murdered, hence why even after 10 yrs. it's still known.

Ironically enough, I was talking to a friend about it yesterday, wondering if anyone was ever arrested for the murder, just to hear the news today. Strange isn't it?

Answer 4

I'm sorry to say this but if you are white and rich your case will be on TV 10 years after. If you are black, asian or hispanic and have no money nobody gives a sh*t about your story. Sad to say, just look at Jon Benet, Elizabeth Smart

Answer 5

Its because things like children getting abducted happens more to the middle and lower classes and not to the rich. The crystal ball was shattered and perfect little village was exposed and made vulnerable.

Answer 6

I THINK THEY ALL SHOULD GET EQUAL ATTENTION. BUT, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE NEGATIVE ABOUT THE CASE. THERE HAS BEEN ENOUGH OF THAT! ACCUSING THE MOTHER, THE FATHER, THE BROTHER. REMARKS ABOUT HER MOTHER HAVING HER IN BEAUTY PAGEANTS. JUST THINK HOW WE ALL FEEL ABOUT OUR DAUGHTERS, MOST OF US WHAT THAT FOR OUR DAUGHTERS. I MEEN THE BEAUTY, THE GLAMOUR, THE ATTENTION. I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT THEY HAVE A SUSPECT. REST IN PEACE PATSY AND JONBENET. HOPING THE BEST FOR JOHN AND BURKE.

Answer 7

The missing white woman syndrome. Lots of non-white people go missing and no one cares. Click the link below.

Answer 8

its not only murder cases. The media can manipulate views by showing the information they want to show and hiding the information they need hidden

Answer 9

Because the press prefers to cover only white tragedies.

Answer 10

It's because she's white, meanwhile African American's who are murdered or kidnapped are thrown out of the media. But it happens.