Opinion – Autism is apparently no reason to temper the spectacle in this Wisconsin murder case. It’s just another sad story that has quickly become the flavor of the day.  A reportedly autistic 13 year old boy from a troubled home has shot his father and killed him.  Hearings have been held earlier today here in Baraboo. According to reports it’s pretty straight forward. Michael Crisafulli admitted to shooting his father.  But what has me sitting down typing today is to ask whether it is tasteful for the local paper and regional television stations to make a spectacle of a 13 year old  possibly autistic child who may, and I stress “may” not be mentally responsible for his crime? We’ve had these discussions before with victims of abuse, assault and of course minor children. I understand the defense. In Wisconsin he’s going to be tried as an adult.  That of course is a legal defense to make a show of the kid, but not a moral one.

I can tell you right now that anyone who has a friend or family member, especially a child suffering mental illness, is probably just sick at the coverage.  They know there will be no clear victims or aggressors in this case.  It will be sad all the way around and the way the local press is handling it is questionable at best.  This is not an issue of guilt or “adult court” or even legal rights. I suggest that showing pictures and even taking those pictures of  a 13 year old child with reported mental illness, then captioning them to make the  point that he appeared “frightened and cried”, in the courtroom does not make the press look impartial, it makes them look needlessly cruel and heartless.  Of course, what do I know!? – d. mayoleth.

More

- Baraboo News Story
– Channel 3, Madison
- Autism Society of America

Related Articles

1. Spring Faire 2010
2. The Right To Know? Really?
3. Don’t “Benatar” My Stratego