On Saturday, January 26, 2008 the Madera Tribune felt the need to take it upon themselves to publish a revealing, detailed, overly graphic and very unnecessary article surrounding the details of Krista Pike’s death. When I finally picked up the front page the first thing I focused on was the beautiful picture of the 18-year-old victim; perfectly-styled hair, a bright smile on her face. The next thing I noticed, was the large print placed beside it, detailing how she was raped and beaten before finally dying.

The record in my mind ripped and I did about four double-takes. What was wrong with this picture?

As a 14-year-old aspiring forensic investigator, I was shocked at the details of the evidence gathered from the scene and at the disclosure of statements by witnesses and law enforcement. These things are not supposed or allowed to be leaked into the media. But then, I read something else– “The following, based on public documents, details their investigation.” But that just wasn’t right; if these police officers’ notes, the county coroner and investigators’ findings were released as public records by the court, surely a newspaper would not go so far as to publish a blow-by-blow of what happened. Surely they would not be so insensitive to the brutal slaying of a girl barely an adult. Surely they would respect the family and friends of the parties involved.

Sadly, this was not the case.

I read on, becoming more outraged by each sentence I came across which explained in graphic detail images that I’d rather not be made aware of. I stopped reading halfway through the article, feeling disgusted, outraged, and nauseous.

While Mr. John Rieping, may expect a “Job well done!”, a pat on the back and nothing but pure commendation for this “Look Ma– I made the front page!” article, I, as well as many other readers of the Tribune think otherwise. The details surrounding Krista Pike’s death, no matter how much speculation is made by the public, no matter how many murmurs at the water cooler there are about it, is strictly to remain between law enforcement officials and the parties involved in this matter. It’s not only cause for a change of venue, it’s also very unprofessional on Mr. Rieping and the editors’ part.

In most places, if a law enforcement officer opens their mouths and leaks information about a crime scene, motive, suspect, cause of death or anything about a crime before there is a conviction and the case has been tried, this person will lose their job. But these were public records released by the court with their notes and findings which the Tribune felt the need to plaster all over the front page. I think the Tribune’s staff and editors should know something very important: Just because it is public record doesn’t mean it needs to be released to the public.

With an article this detailed about the crime, this leaves room for benefit of the doubt, which could lead to the perpetrators going free. An article this detailed also leaves room to spawn a possible serial killer. Sixty percent of serial killers spawn from previous crimes their family members and/or friends committed initially. Statistics or not, we do not need another grisly murder like this. No one should have to be submitted to the horrible fate Krista Pike was, and no newspaper should ever post something this detailed.

So regardless of how proud the editors and Mr. Rieping may have felt about this article and their detailed coverage of just what exactly happened on January 14, 2008, this article was unnecessary, insensitive and very unprofessional on the part of the newspaper itself. It’s funny– I thought there was some sort of code of ethics journalists were supposed to follow to show sensitivity to these sorts of crimes. I also thought journalists and especially editors should know what they can and should not write about a pending investigation and trial.

Sincerely,
Ann Marie Padilla,
Madera

Webmaster’s note: On the afternoon of Monday (Jan. 14), the life of 18-year-old Krista Pike of the Madera Ranchos ended tragically. Two friends of hers from when she attended El Dorado High School in Placerville wished to share their memories of her in life so that thoughts of her would not be overshadowed in Madera by the manner of her death.

Krista’s personality was indescribable. No matter how bad things got she would always be laughing. Her laugh was contagious. When she started laughing it never ended but she always made absolutely everyone smile. She is the ultimate sweetheart who always saw the best in people. She is a friend of all.

She would always be random, but that’s what people love about her … that she lived each day as one big surprise. Her nickname at school is Giggles and she will always be remembered as that ray of light we all know and love!

She had an acquired taste for bows and rainbows. No matter how small or big they were you can bet she had it. Her favorite color for life was orange and she loves — and I mean loves — country music.

She had her own unique skill to handle people and whether they were sad or just plain miserable she helped them to see the joy in life! She is truly an amazing, beautiful girl and touched the hearts of many people. We are truly sad for all the people who lost the chance to meet this most wonderful person, because everyone deserves a chance to be happy for a moment and meet Krista.

Krista was truly spontaneous and was like a mother and sister to any one person at a time. She really broke the mold, because there will never be another person that even comes close to how spectacular Krista is. She radiated a glow that was contagious to any one person that saw her. She is a very go-luck person.

Krista-Rae June Pike will never slip away from anyone’s heart because she has touched people’s lives forever. We will never stop loving you!

Giana and James Ornelas,
Placerville, Calif.

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A video remembrance

The tribute video below was posted online by Danny Dominguez, a Madera friend of Krista Pike.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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In memoriam

WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE
Many flames follow the nudges of the wind or reach for the sky during a vigil Wednesday evening (Jan. 16) for the late Krista Pike at Town and Country Park, Madera.
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“If nothing else comes out of this, at least people will know she was a loving caring person, and there is love out there. Grieve today, grieve tomorrow, but let all of that pass and go. Smile, laugh, and don’t hold grudges. Krista was here on this earth to love.”

– Russel Pike, father of Krista Pike, speaking at her candlelight vigil Wednesday evening (Jan. 16)

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‘Love always’

The fiance of Krista-Rae Pike wrote and shared the following spontaneous poem with her on the Saturday (Jan. 12) before her death. He shared the poem again at the funeral chapel viewing of her body on Friday (Jan. 18).

Our two souls moving as one
together they are unbreakable
able to withstand all that tries to break them,
all that hell can throw at them,
able to outlast time itself.
Together our souls are indestructible,
but when broken apart our souls are as brittle
as the frost on the morning grass.
Together they will bring about the life
of a son or daughter
to forever hold both souls together
keeping them forever intertwined for eternity
forever embracing each other.
Forever loving each other;
forever caring when one is hurt or sick,
no matter the distance
for we are an extremely rare kind of love,
for we are
and forever will be
soul mates.

– Thomas Hollier

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The July 31st issue of The Madera Tribune covered such topics as the rising foreclosures, a Madera bank robber pleading guilty, a plan to improve Road 222 in North Fork, an upcoming walk to promote breastfeeding, a fire truck nearly flipping, a man pulling a gun in a fast food drive-thru, pollution found in valley waterways, and more. What are your thoughts about what was published? What wasn’t in this issue that could have been? Feel free to let everyone know below.

Please note that all comments will be reviewed before appearing on the Web site. Comments may also be published in The Madera Tribune or El Sol de Madera.

All calls are edited for length and content. Due to content some calls may not be published. Please limit your calls to two minutes or less. Repeat messages on the same subject adding to the length will not be published. Some weeks, due to the number of calls and space, some may not be published.
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A man said, “All the fireworks stands have been torn down.” He continued, “What is atrocious, though, is all the garbage and all the boxes (shipping) that the fireworks came in left behind by those who ran those fireworks’ stands. They have no consideration for the town.” He also recommended “next year the stands be operated by non-profit organizations and youth groups.”

What was a similar voice asked the police department, “I wonder why you don’t pick up the people that are pushing the shopping carts around if they are in possession of stolen property? Are you trying to tell me if they have my TV in their possession you wouldn’t stop and pick them up?” He then asked, “why does Council Member (Sally) Bomprezzi want to take and tack a bill onto the local merchants? Everybody will pay extra at the stores.”

The same voice also called about the article on “Michael McHatten, the new director of administrative services for the city of Madera. He lives in Clovis and has no intentions of moving to Madera.” The caller asked, “how much interest can he put into the city of Madera when he lives outside the city? I would think when they hire people, they would want them to live in the community where they’re working so they have an interest. I think it is ludicrous.”

A woman called and said, “today’s paper, page A3, has a picture of the superintendent and Millview Elementary School kids. There is this boy that looks like he is holding up three fingers.” She said it might be a gang sign and concluded, “I can’t believe this picture could have been printed. It should have been looked at more carefully before being printed.”

“I’m not a Democrat,” began a gentleman’s call, “but I read Monday’s (July 16) letter to the editor by Gordon Skeels about George Bush and I must make some comments. First,” he said, “the Bush administration invaded a sovereign nation in the faint and false hopes of finding weapons of mass destruction. They (the Bush administration) introduced Al Qeada into Iraq. They were not there when we came in. The Bush administration has caused the largest deficit in the history of this nation that our grandchildren’s grandchildren will still be paying.” He mentioned laws being trampled, Katrina victims still waiting for aid, and benefits being cut. “The Bush administration,” he concluded, “will go down in history as the worst administration ever.”

A man called about the police not doing anything concerning a vehicle accident message (by a Red Line call) involving an illegal. “Our police department ought to be ashamed of themselves. They don’t seem to want to do anything. They just hide wherever they want to hide. In the case of an emergency,” the caller stated, “It takes forever for them to respond.” On another subject, he commented, “on how this town looks. I’m very ashamed to live in this in town. It should be called — (not discernible).” He gave his name as “Jim, and have been living here about four years.”

A man called about “the Madera Coyote football game going to play its opening football game in Las Vegas.” The caller “didn’t understand how Madera Unified would allow this when the Madera Unified cannot give their teachers a respectful raise in wages.” In the caller’s “opinion, classroom instruction is more important than a trip to Vegas for a football game.”

A lady called regarding the troubles of a local masseur and said, “in my opinion, the women bear some responsibility along with the businessman. If they don’t want to get burned, stay out of the kitchen.”

A woman added to the numerous messages “about the developers not repairing their roads. My car, as well, has been damaged by developers tearing up the roads with new home construction.” She felt “they should pay for all these damages to the vehicles.” She suggested people with similar problems “or damage to their vehicles (from the roads) write in to see how many have been damaged.”

A woman called about the cleaning businesses in town. Her opinion was “Only in Madera can people stay in business and do shoddy work.” She hoped, “They stay in Madera because if they were anywhere else they would have been put out of business a long time ago.”

A man “wondered why his (county) bill was received on July 17,” and concluded the county would reply, “We are understaffed in our new $40-million dollar government center. Huh!”

A male voice said he saw a newscast “with the governor at San Luis showing very little water” and pleas for water conservation. It was followed by a story that featured “Fresno building a golf course (Running Horse), which is the most non-productive waste of water there is. Less than 10 percent of the people will use it. It seems ludicrous to be wasting water on a golf course when we are not going to have enough water to drink.”

“Where is our postmaster?” asked a lady. “I have no complaints about the two mail clerks (at the counter), they do their job and are friendly.” She wondered what happens to the others “when the line gets longer (out the door) and the window’s are closed. The clerks go in and out as though they don’t even see us. Please do something.”

“Three shopping centers at one time is a bit too many,” began a man’s message. “The (city) council should not put in any city money unless absolutely required. But three at once is a bad idea. Someone is going to get hurt.”

“It just seems like there’s a whole lot of county officials and county people that don’t know how to react or act,” said a man referring to a pending lawsuit. “I don’t know how you say it, but it seems it’s time to clean up this place.”

Regarding a story about a 17-year-old boy being injured while playing “chicken” with a train, a reader said on maderatribuneredline.com: “Where were this young man’s parents? He was 17, out with a bunch of others probably the same age. Had he died, the parents would be the first to step up to sue, but where are they in the wee hours of the morning? I believe charges should be pressed against this whole group of young people. What a dumb thing to be doing and watching. What a horrible thing to watch someone die this way.”
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Thank you for your calls. Remember, the Red Line is open for your messages 24 hours a day by calling 674-4478; readers may also visit maderatribuneredline.com to leave their comments.