That's Crazy ... But Is It News?

A 22-YEAR OLD WOMAN was driving the wrong way down interstate 476 in Delaware County and she crashed into oncoming traffic. A 63-year old woman was killed.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's story included these details:

O'Neill (the 22-year old driver) is the sister of Sean Owen O'Neill Jr., who was released from juvenile detention in June after being held in the August 2006 shooting death of his friend. O'Neill Jr. hosted a party without adult supervision at his family's home and accidentally shot Scott Sheridan, 17, of West Chester.

Her father, Sean O'Neill Sr., was arrested in June by federal agents who said he had lied about his membership in what authorities called an Irish terrorist organization to obtain a green card. He also faces weapons charges.


Is the legal information about the family necessary? Does it reveal a feeling of suspicion from the journalist?

Or is this good background information for the piece?

A look at the Delaware County Times' story offers insight on how the reporters gathered their information: the police issued a press release.

That raises another question: just because the police provide that information, should you report it?

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