Talk:Killing of John O'Keefe

New Wiki Page
Hi,

Thank you for providing feedback and edits to the page! I am working on adding additional context and sources. Including background on the case, pre-trial hearings, prosecution and defense representation and impact coverage. I'd love to chat more about changes on this thread! CBEARWiki (talk) 19:35, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

Criminal allegations
@CBEARWiki: The guidelines when writing about people who are suspected to have committed a crime advise that "[a] living person accused of a crime is presumed not guilty unless and until the contrary is decided by a court of law. Editors must give serious consideration to not creating an article on an alleged perpetrator when no conviction is yet secured." WP:BLPCRIME goes on to advise that Wikipedia should not include material in any article that suggests a living person has committed or is accused of having committed a crime, unless a conviction has been secured. This is a stricter requirement than that for a living person who is notable for a single event. The reason for this advice is that anybody charged with a crime has the right to a fair trial. Additionally, the Manual of Style also advise to be careful how the word "alleged" is used and that any allegations need to be attributed to the actual source of those allegations. The "prosecution" merely describes the legal representatives for the party filing any criminal charges, not the people or organisation that they represent, such as the police department, or the State, Crown, People or other entity that notionally prosecutes criminal cases in the jurisdiction concerned. Wikipedia has a social and ethical responsibility to avoid harming fair trial rights, and the best way to do this is to wait until the court case is heard and the verdict known. In the mean time, I think this article should be moved to draft space and pass through the Article for Creation process. - Cameron Dewe (talk) 21:47, 21 January 2024 (UTC)


 * Thank you! I am editing for clarity and neutrality. A lot of the news coverage leans to either side. Trying to stick to just the facts. This case feels important enough to have a page up to cover the basic information. Appreciate you taking the time to comment! CBEARWiki (talk) 23:49, 21 January 2024 (UTC)
 * I'm wondering if the page should be moved to "Death of John O'Keefe", until/unless a conviction is secured? ForsythiaJo (talk) 23:58, 21 January 2024 (UTC)
 * That is a great point. I agree. It is not clear if he was killed. "Death of" would be more appropriate. Are you able to change that? I don't know how to. Thanks! CBEARWiki (talk) 00:21, 22 January 2024 (UTC)
 * @CBEARWiki and @ForsythiaJo: A "Death of ...." article would imply the died accidentally. I think the fact that police have laid manslaughter charges means they believe it is more probable, than not, that someone is responsible for the death, though it may be negligence, and the death was not accidental. So, I think the word "Killing" is therefore still appropriate, even before conviction. - Cameron Dewe (talk) 01:22, 22 January 2024 (UTC)