The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "second-degree murder" ...
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We Did Nothng Wrong: Why Software Quality Matters
"Software programs are killing people." At the National Cancer Institute in Panama City, five cancer patients died after an overdose of radiation during their treatments. The U.S.-made software that calculated the dosages of these treatments doubled the dosages during treatment of 27 patients. The International Atomic Energy Agency's investigation of the five deaths blamed radiation poisoning, and said that the remaining patients would be at risk for developing "serious complications" from the radiation. Two of the Panamanian technicians were convicted of second-degree murder and are serving four-year sentences in a Panama prison. And the makers of the software, Multidata Systems International in St. Louis, Missouri, deny any wrongdoing.
Tags: Multidata Systems International; software quality; National Cancer Institute in Panama City; radiation therapy; radiation poisoning; software error-prevention system
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First in Flight, but last in mercy
The Baltimore Sun reports on the trial of Melissa Marvin, a 30-year who killed four while driving drunk in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Marvin was charged with murder, in addition to driving while intoxicated. Marvin was convicted of four counts of second-degree murder and one count of "assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury" and sentenced to 60 years in prison without parole. Sjoerdsma, a attorney/mediator and freelance journalist writes that "by grafting murder law onto DWI cases, North Carolina may be running roughshod over traditional notions of justice."
Tags: DWI; murder; North Carolina; alcohol; Melissa Marvin; justice; legal system; courts; crime
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Til Death Do Us Part
New Times reporters detailed "the police investigation and subsequent arrest of Phoenix-area businessman Brian Eftenoff, who stands accused of second-degree murder. In this highly unusual case, prosecutors have alleged that Mr. Eftenoff forced cocaine down his wife's throat after beating her, which allegedly induced a fatal stroke."
Tags: Physical abuse; murder; drugs; police investigations
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Domestic Violence in Minnesota
"Last year in Minnesota, 28 men killed their wives or girlfriends -- more than any other year on record. Sixteen used a gun. Six chose knives. Four relied on their bare hands, beating or strangling their lovers to death. The crimes tore apart families and left 61 children without mothers. We assembled a team of reporters to get behind those horrific numbers to tell readers why men kill women they claim to love, and why those who batter are rarely punished and often return to attack their victims again and again. We examined the special challenges that women in rural Minnesota and Wisconsin face in escaping abusive relationships. And we looked at some measures that may hold hope in battling this growing problem." Story includes biographies of the victims.
Tags: psychology; bullying; frustration; victim; marriage counseling; therapy; women's shelter; manipulation; "reinforcing power; " criminal behavior; rejection; protection orders; second-degree murder
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Shattered lives
After her toddler died in 1985 of a skull fracture, Rehab Amer was tried for second-degree murder and found not guilty. Despite her acquittal, the state took the Amers' remaining three children and put them up for adoption. The Amers continue their battle to get their children back.
Tags: Child Abuse
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No title (id: 13949)
This is the story of Colorado serial killer Thomas E. Luther, his victims, and the incredible effort it took to bring him to justice. The article connected Luther to two unsolved murders in January 1982 and the horrific assault on another young woman a month later, and told the two-year detective story of what it took to connect him the 1993 disappearance and murder of Cher Elder just three months after he was released form prison. (December 13, 20, 1995; January 24, February 29, May 23, 1996)
Tags: Jackson Facing the monster Second-degree burn another insurance nightmare Contest entry 35 pgs.
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No title (id: 13324)
ABA Journal tells the story of a dozen strangers who came together for two days in November, 1995 to decide of if Jennifer Collins was guilty of second degree murder when she was accused of killing her newborn in her dorm bathroom while a student at the University of Tennesse at Chattanooga. This unique angle to a murder case describes the juries tearful deliberation and one juror, Bonnie Houser's holdout stance. (July 1996)
Tags: Curriden The holdout Justice Murder Children Pregnancy