Denise Lee's Murder and the Stories That Need to Be Told
Thursday July 24, 2008
I've been covering women's issues in print and broadcast for over a decade, and I've seen and heard more than my share of disturbing news reports. But what's hard for me to forget are those absolutely horrific stories in which a woman is killed even though her death could have been prevented. And when I read (and blog) about these significant stories but realize there's scant coverage of what happened outside the communities in which they occur, well, those are times that I'm glad this isn't a video blog. Because all you'd hear is me screaming and shouting.
Months ago I wrote about the kidnapping of Denise Lee, a young mother and wife who was raped and killed in Florida. During her abduction, even though several urgent calls were received by 911 operators from witnesses and from Denise herself, nothing was done. Nothing. When I first wrote about this back in April, I was really surprised that the story hadn't gotten national attention.
It did last night on ABC's Primetime: Crime. Afterwards, it seems other women responded to the story as I did; many new comments appeared on the original post I'd written in April.
This situation has taught me two things:
- Although we say that television is dying a slow death, it still remains the most efficient way to get stories like this out to the public quickly and effectively, and with strong emotional impact. Before the Primetime: Crime coverage last night, Denise Lee's story had been reported by local and regional papers, but soon dropped out of sight and out of mind.
- Where TV leaves off, the internet steps in. Many women, upset and frustrated over Denise Lee's story, went online to find out more information. When they came to this blog, a handful took the time to post their own comments and observations about this sad and needless death. In times of grief, fear, and frustration, we are often motivated to share our thoughts and to get off our chests the anger and despair.
Related article: Florida Mom Denise Lee Dead Because of 911 Incompetence
Comments
I watched this story last night as well, and it’s frustrating, scary, and sad. I think these stories need to be heard over and over again to remind us an innocent life was lost when it could have been prevented, and to remind us of all the crazy people lurking out there we need to be aware of…and from what I can tell, no one has really told this family that they are sorry for not doing their job. I am a mother myself of a 1 year old, and so this hit home. It’s sad that when a tragedy like this first hits, people want to know every detail, then if it doesn’t affect them directly, they quickly forget the story, who the person was, what their family must be going through. Thank you for doing what you do.
What really, really bothers me about this case is this… I get that there are bad, evil people in the world like Michael King. But what I can’t handle is that “good” people failed to do something… all of the drivers who failed to do anything. The drivers who didn’t want to get involved, the drivers who thought it was a “domestic dispute” (Since when do we not help a person in distress? Woman, wife, or otherwise!?). My husband and I watched this on Primetime last night and couldn’t even speak. We were just shocked at how the system and how “good” people let Denise down.
This is sad to a point that I have no words to express myself.
But as a society we MUST acknowledge that we have a moral obligation to try and help others.
If it looks suspicious, make the move: call 911, follow the car while speaking to a 911 operator, do all that is within your power to help.
Do not turn your head away – let’s have more articles, lectures, programs on how we can improve our citizens’ skills and do the right thing and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
yes the media is not fair
but most of all man made laws are not fair …for over 50 years man made laws have/are keeping me from justice for myself and my daughter
man made laws are protecting a man who 50 years age did rape me and he will not sumit to dna testing
attorneys would/ will not take the case because it happened in tokyo
l am
ex military
ex rape victum
advise/ help please
skip.along@hotmail.com
As a domestic violence victim who’s abuser has a friend on the police force I am no longer surprised by the failure to help victims. Throw in a couple of dirt-bag lawyers and your fate is essentially sealed. I have tried FOUR TIMES to get a restraining order against my stalker and have move 3 times…nothing’s been done to protect me. What happened to Denise is horrific and I hope justice is served against that scumbag.
With the technology that we have today what were they thinking?? The first operator wasn’t even listening to her, just “Hello” as if she could care less about the hysterical woman on the line pleading for help. The incompetence and cold shoulder attitude of 911 operators has got to stop. I know there are good operators out there but every call has to be treated with haste, quick thinking and intelligence. How would they want to be treated if the rolls were reversed?? God Bless You Denise Lee. Tammy, Argos, IN