The human element mustn't be lost...

I should be in bed by now. But I didn't want to go another day without posting.

Today's story was a tough one. A woman was found dead inside her car in her driveway in a nice, quiet Carteret County neighborhood. One way or another, the car was set on fire from the inside. When I got the call about it this morning, that's all I was told. When I got to the scene, little more became immediately clear. Eventually, investigators from the Carteret County Sheriff's Department told me that the incident was "suspicious" -- and that they would be investigating it as a homicide until they had evidence that proved otherwise.

No matter the cause of the fire, or the cause of death, one thing cannot be overlooked. This woman was someone's mother, grandmother, sister -- you name it. And that human element can never be lost. Journalists have a bad reputation of objectifying victims. For some, anything goes when it comes to getting a story. I just can't operate that way. While on the scene, I learned the name of the victim from a bystander. Later, as I was talking to neighbors, they confirmed the name. But the Sheriff's Department asked me not to release it because not all family had been notified. While I technically had a leg to stand on when it came to releasing the name, out of respect for the family -- and the Sheriff's Department -- I chose to not to run it. Being the first reporter to get the name of the victim out on the airwaves was less important to me than respecting a grieving family that just experienced a major loss. Unfortunately, the event that took place is newsworthy. All three television stations in our area wouldn't have mentioned the incident if it wasn't. But adding insult to a family's injury isn't newsworthy. But when they -- and the Sheriff's Department -- give the OK to releasing the name, Nine On Your Side will have it.

I guess I'm just a softy at heart -- but I hope this woman is remembered for the life she led, not the way she died.

Anyways, on to some of your feedback. I love the idea that an anonymous poster submitted -- about promoting Eastern NC's "best kept secrets." I will definitely pitch that idea -- but I need your help. What do you think is the best restaurant in your area? What would you say is the "best kept secret" where you're from? Who does something outstanding or interesting? Let me hear from you! Just click on the "Comments" button below! :-)