Petit Family Murders Response Scenarios

Petit Family Murders Response Scenarios

or this discussion, research and review the Petit Family Murders, this occurred in Cheshire, Connecticut, on the morning of July 23, 2007.

After a thorough review of the case, I believe you will all agree that this was a tragic and horrific crime. On Oct. 5, 2010, one of the suspects, Steven J. Hayes, was convicted for his part in the brutal invasion and murders, and was sentenced to death. The other suspect, Joshua Komisarjevsky, stood trial in September 2011 and was also convicted and sentenced to death.

Scenario 2: You are a member of the media, and have been standing outside the scene for four hours now. The police are refusing access and to answer questions. They have repeatedly promised to make a statement but you are still waiting and several hours have passed. Finally, you see the PIO walk to the waiting microphones. As you eagerly anticipate hearing all the details that will get you an “above the fold” front page story for this evening’s edition, you are crushed to hear the PIO start speaking about FOIA exemptions and justifying the decision to withhold information and access to the scene. This is unacceptable! The public has a right to know, and there is certain information that “must” be released, as well as plenty else that you feel “should” be released by these stonewalling officers. You raise your hand to address this and are called on by the PIO. Be sure that you use the First Amendment and the FOIA to support your position as to why there is an obligation to provide you with access to information and to the scene. Address and refute the PIO’s attempt to rely on certain FOIA exceptions to withhold this information from you.