Pubdate: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 Source: Charleston Gazette (WV) Copyright: 2003 Charleston Gazette Contact: http://www.wvgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/77 Author: Joseph Kennedy Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03.n1268.a11.html UNVERIFIED CLAIMS HURT REPUTATIONS Editor: I find the characterizations of the recent sniper homicides as being "cocaine related" to be unsettling. Unless the toxicology reports on the victims shows cocaine use, or drugs or paraphernalia were found on the victims, it is very irresponsible of authorities to make these claims. Obviously, Mr. Meadows and Ms. Patton cannot refute these accusations. If police are echoing false hearsay evidence of drug use, the grief felt by the victims' families has been needlessly multiplied. The thought of a bloodthirsty gunman randomly executing people is very frightening to the public. However, trying to calm these fears at the expense of the victims' reputations is worse. Joseph Kennedy Clendenin - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin