Sources and editorial standards

Source hierarchy

When sources disagree, we do not adopt the version that appears most often. We identify the primary document behind each claim and weigh it against this hierarchy, in order:

Attribution

Attribution belongs in the sentence, not only in a footnote. Because our articles are written to work as audio narration, sources are introduced in the prose — "according to court records," "the department reported at the time," "in an on-the-record statement, a relative said." A full source library also appears at the end of every case page.

Facts, claims, and disputes

Every structured field and timeline event carries one of six labels: confirmed, reported, disputed, unknown, not publicly released, or not applicable. Where accounts differ, both appear. A gap in the record is described as a gap, never as a mystery and never as an implication.

Suspects, persons of interest, and rumor

No one is named or described as a suspect, person of interest, or offender unless that status has been officially documented by law enforcement or in court records. We do not imply involvement through page placement, photograph selection, relationship lines, or headline construction. Rumor, social media speculation, and proximity to a victim are not published as connections.

Privacy

Private residence addresses are not published merely because they appear in a public document; locations can be shown approximately or withheld entirely. We do not publish identifying financial, medical, or account information, we redact information about minors where appropriate, and we protect legally shielded identities. Graphic detail is included only when it serves an identification or investigative purpose.

Tips

Submitted information never appears publicly on its own. It enters a private review queue, and it is used in an article only if it is independently verified and approved. With the submitter's permission, credible information is forwarded to the appropriate agency.

Use of AI

Automated research workflows help locate records, compare sources, structure case data, and prepare drafts. They do not decide what is true, do not publish without human approval, and do not contact anyone. Every automated action, including rejected output, is preserved in an audit trail.

Corrections and removal requests

Material corrections are published with what changed, when, and why. Families, agencies, and named individuals can request a correction or removal review at any time through the corrections page.