I need leads on crimes or court cases that will sustain a segment on a national news magazine show. We’re interested in stories about solving old crimes; parents who have behave badly; those who live to tell about being targets of unusual crimes; victims who have solved their own crimes; and especially on-going court cases with interesting twists and turns.
In fact, any suggestions that would work for a national audience will be appreciated. We are always looking for tips on good local crime stories.
Thanks in advance,
Bonnie Van Gilder, Producer
ABC NEWS, “20/20″
bonnie.vangilder@ABC.com
Is being beaten and robbed for your medical marijuana an “unusual crime”? How about dying in jail over the possession of a joint? Would denial of a lifesaving liver transplant count?
Stashers, if you’ve got a “good local crime story” to tell, why not send Bonnie an email? My suggestion is to use a good Subject line (like “Crime Story Idea: Oregon man beaten and robbed for medical marijuana”) so she can find it among many jillions of emails (oh, if you could see my Inbox every day!) and keep it brief and sell the sizzle. 200 words would be best. (“Sell the sizzle” means to bait the hook, to dangle a carrot, basically to give her enough of the shocking details of the story to make her want to report it, without trying to report the whole story.
For example, my pitch went like so:
Ms. Van Gilder,I happened upon an email you sent requesting true-crime story leads.
Maybe you would look at the case of David Verstoppen in Oregon.
David, a grandfather, was the victim of a home-invasion-style armed robbery. He fought off the intruder with the gun, but was beaten by the other intruder with a golf club. (http://wweek.com/editorial/3501/11822/)
The twist in this story is that David is an award-winning medical marijuana grower and registered patient in the state of Oregon. (http://wweek.com/editorial/3506/11996/)
Did outspoken activism cost this man? Did state laws allowing medical marijuana inevitably lead to these crimes, or is it the prohibition of marijuana itself?
I personally know Mr. Verstoppen and he is an articulate, sympathetic figure. The activists involved in the medical marijuana awards are also experienced in media and would provide excellent interviews.
As you know, the subject of medical marijuana has captured the public’s attention, with well over 3 of 4 Americans in polls supporting medical access and opposing DEA raids.
Sincerely,
Russ Belville
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if our country is struggling with bulling , and kids are killing them selves over it , shouldn’t we as adults be setting the examples , now what was david letterman doing to mr. christi on national T,V as he was deciding to run for president . to me that was national bulling, i think david letterman should be charged with bulling! and made accountable!
I have a story that will make water gate look like a walk in the park, I am not asking you to belive me, I am begging you to come to Spartanburg with trhe right equipment and check for your self, tehere are hidden cameras in public rest rooms of several stores, in private homes with out owners concent, and several stores and restarunts with out owners concent, There is much more to this story, please respond, thanks.
I was a lucky one that got a Liver transplant before my drug test got to my surgeon. I’m obviously still alive but I have never not the first time reject my liver from smoking Marijuana and I have refused to take the anti-rejection medicine Prograf .5 mil. for three years now I’m 9 years off the table coming April 2009. Marijuana is a miracle drug if you ask me Transplant givers thank you.