Cass County authorities say 14-year-old Katie Rios was killed in rural Cass County Thursday, and a teenage relative is in custody.
That's about all we know. Police are still waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine Rios' cause of death.
In the meantime, a new Facebook page, titled "In Loving Memory of Katie Rios," already has 695 fans.
Among those circling like vultures leaving their "condolences" are several prominent Kansas City reporters.
Fox 4's Tess Koppelman writes:
From KCTV 5's Kelly Hicks, who was apparently doing Eric Chaloux' dirty work:Such a tragic loss... she was so young. My thoughts are with all her friends and family.
If anyone who is friends with Katie would like to speak to us at Fox 4 News, to tell us more about her and her life, please message me (I'm a reporter) or call our assignment desk at 816-932-9201
From Ashley Freburg at the Cass County Democrat:To the Friends and Family of Katie Rios---You are in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this unspeakable tragedy. If anyone would like to share memories of Katie, we would love to hear from you. You can reach our reporter Eric Chaloux at EChaloux@kctv5.com. You can also contact our news desk at NewsDesk@kctv5.com
The staff of the Cass County Democrat would like to send our deepest condolences to all of those touched by this tragedy. We cannot imagine what Katie's family and friends must be going through. We want to learn more about what Katie was like in life. If anyone is willing to share, contact us at afischer@demo-mo.com o...r stop by our office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
At least KSHB Channel 41's Russ Ptacek was straight up with what he wanted:
I'm a reporter working on a story about her for tonights news. Please message me your number if you have memories you want to share.*Tess Koppelman's name was misspelled in the original entry.
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I will always miss katie I was her godmother and still today it seems like a dream and I cant wake up. there are the times that we spent togather and I have to remeber that and I will always love you katie family ruiz.
I was one of Katie's best friends.. I know its been awhile since she had past going on 7 months tomorrow... But it is still so hard to deal with.. I look at a note she wrote me on the back of my folder and i will start crying.. This is still so hard for all of us in Harrisonville, expecially the ones who knew her very well.. We have had many gatherings in remembrance of her but nobody can go without crying.. The truth is we know everyone will die someday. But whn we face the death of someone we love, were not ready for it. The shock and the pain can leave us feeling overwhelmed and even angry.. We all wonder Why do bad things happen to good people? The answer we can all come up with the "sunday school" answer but when your the one that is hurting well the answer becomes pretty empty and the most difficult to answer.
yo la trate poco pero era una ni�ui buena y tenia un gran corazon erea la unica de sus primitas ke me desia tio cindy lopez gamboa katie ade estar con los angelitos jugando y siempre la llebaremos en nuestro corazon luisbichycarlos@hotmail.com R.I.P. KATIE RIOS los keremos echenle ganas
As parents who tragically lost our son at age 19, we would like to say that while we never had a microphone thrust in our face, we always appreciated the expression of concern and condolences, no matter the source. And because our son was working off camera at a TV station when he died we were very touched when the anchor expressed on-air condolences to Jason's family and friends. We taped that and still have it. Twenty years later we still weep when we watch that.
The media can help to make connections among people and tell the stories of those who are lost. Some do it better than others. Tess Koppelman does an outstanding job in our opinion - probably because she remembers the difficulty of losing her brother, Jason, 20 years ago on September 13, 1989. We know that she is not just doing her job, but that she is doing it with compassion and caring. We know that, because we know her well. She is our daughter and best friend.
Reporters see so much tragedy in their work, and we have seen our daughter weep privately over some of those stories and rage over others. Reporters are people with feelings and families and histories. They want to tell the stories to humanize the tragedies. We want to hear the stories to become more human. We all become connected when we do so. As Garrison Keillor has said, "grief makes relatives of us all."
The Pitch can get off their high journalistic horse. None of the reporters mentioned above were contacted for comment on this story. Pretty spineless to attack someone without giving them a chance to respond.
Yes I'm a reporter, but I'm also a human being. I can offer condolences while also trying to do my job. And my job is to tell the story. Some people want to talk and want to share their story, and others don't. If they don't, we leave them alone. If they do, then we tell the story with compassion and tact.
This was a public (not private) site on a social networking website. That's what the reporters were doing... networking.
estamos con ustedes, alma y familia yo tambien tengo 4 adolescentes abril, itzel,edgar y noemi y todos estamos muy consternados por lo sucedido.
When people, especially young children who do not know exactly how to deal with this, are grieving, reporters should not be bothering or marketing to them. Especially since they will get stories from people who didn't really know Katie, like the principal who claims he was her mentor when he wasn't!
This happens ALL the time..it's sad that reporters are pushed by management to get the story at all costs.. it's terrible they must resort to tactics like this. But, they are just doing their job.
Interestingly enough the blogger hails from the same place as the person in custody who committed this crime according to this kids mySpace page: "killa city"...is this a coincedence? Further more I completely agree with Nancy regarding Ashley..you don't know what you're talking about and shouldn't be commenting idiot.
his name was estabon olivias not right spelling i dont think......he deserves life in prison for killing my friend just thought id throw that in there but we all should pray that he gets his life straight and he gets forgivness
If your going to criticize the reporters at LEAST get their names right Its Freburg
Not Freburgat
I am just curious did this Justin Kendall In Killa City know Katie Rios personally himself? Or did the information He got come from facebook also. There are alot of people who have left remarks and condolences on Katies facebook page. Does that mean all the people who never really knew Katie are scum. I don't think so.People can REALLY Care for strangers. Some people have hearts and compassion for all living beings. These news reporters are just trying to do their jobs. Thats what they went to school for. Yes this is a tradgedy wished upon no one and these reporters are just trying to let others in and around the community of Harrisonville know How much Katie was loved.
I know the Harrisonville reporter personally and she is a very tenderhearted caring person who would do anything for anyone. She is a good Christian person and NOT a Vulture circling in. She is New to the community and only doing HER Job. Trying to be tactfull and compassionate at the same time. The people of Harrisonille are the COMMUNITY grieving. Mrs. Freburg is A part of that community. She may not have know Katie personally BUT I for one KNOW she cares deeply of how this story is to be portayed.
So where did you get your info Justin Kendall? and why DID YOU CHOOSE TO blog ABOUT KATIES DEATH. MAYBE you SHOULD RETHINK WHAT you SAY ABOUT OTHER REPORTERS.
Ok to the Kansas City Press... Leave it alone. Let the family grieve with their community and family in peace. Two big tragedies just occurred and you need to back off. You got enough big stories in KC without our help.. Just for once in your careers leave it alone.
Ok to the Kansas City Press... Leave it alone. Let the family grieve with their community and family in peace. Two big tragedies just occurred and you need to back off. You got enough big stories in KC without our help.. Just for once in your careers leave it alone.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Let Katie's family mourn in peace.
We love you Katie, you will be missed.
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