Front page, above the fold of the July 25 Herald, a colorful image calculated to catch a reader’s eye: the lowered eyes of 14-year old of Heather Opel, her girl’s face framed by cropped hair and ultra-security orange coveralls. The Herald’s big, bright photo (with the headline,”14 – and a convicted killer”) shows Heather newly bearing her conviction in adult court of a murder she committed when she was 13.
The July 24 article “Girl guilty of murder,” recounts the facts of the crime and punishments. What makes the story especially wrenching is that the lists of victims and perpetrators are long and overlapping.
First among the victims is Jerry Heimann, killed by Heather and her friends, allegedly at the instigation of Barbara Opel, Heather’s mother. Next is Eva Heimann, Jerry’s disabled mother, who suffered the loss of her son and abandonment at the hands of Barbara, her caretaker.
Still, any list of victims has to include Heather and the other children who joined or witnessed the murder. Barbara Opel’s case is yet to be decided, but any outcome will show that Heather, a child of 13, and her friends were exploited by an adult, that they were victims at the same time that they were criminals.
One troubling aspect of the case is that a Snohomish Country judge found that two of the youngest defendants should be tried as adults. As the Herald article explains, that fateful decision is now ripe for review.
The Herald printed its dramatic picture of Heather even as it reported that the question of Heather’s treatment as an adult will probably be appealed. Presumably, The Herald found the temptation to shock its readers too great to resist. Yes, it is a powerful image, but by printing it The Herald used a picture of a child in chains to add emotional wallop to its front page.
Along with its obligation to report the news, The Herald has a responsibility to report in a way that minimizes further harm to victims, families and the larger community affected by the crime. Whatever else she is, Heather is still a child and one of the victims in this story. Unfortunately, by publishing her picture, The Herald joined the list of perpetrators, one among others who have used Heather for their own ends.
The Herald generally provides vivid reporting without sensationalizing or exploiting its subjects. I hope that you will recall your responsibility to avoid sensationalism as you continue to cover Heather’s appeals and her mother’s trial.
Everett
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