Readers,
It’s one thing to be given the responsibility of covering such an important story to the UNM community as the loss of two of our own due to a hideous act. It’s another thing to dishonor the families grieving by failing to get my facts right, and that’s what I’ve done.
In the Oct. 21 issue of the Daily Lobo, a story ran under my byline about Ralph Montoya entering a guilty plea for the murders of Hector Torres and Stefania Gray. An accompanying photo was captioned as featuring the family and friends of Torres and Gray, when in fact it was of Montoya’s family. This was an insensitive and regrettable error for which there is no excuse, and I wish to take this opportunity to offer an apology to the families of Mr. Torres and Ms. Gray.
As a cub reporter for the Lobo, this was my first assignment dealing with something as serious as murder. In my excitement and efforts to make sure I could hear everything said and get it all down accurately, I failed to perform the simple task of finding out who was sitting where. That I failed to do so didn’t live up to the standards I set for myself as a journalist, or to the standards of the Daily Lobo.
I had the privilege of speaking with Ms. Gray’s mother and Mr. Torres’ sister after the proceeding. The courage and resolve they showed both during their statements and in our conversations was truly inspiring. I have nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for them and their families; that my mistake conveys otherwise is dreadful to me.
To the families of Mr. Torres and Ms. Gray, their friends and colleagues, I offer my sincerest apologies for my error. To my colleagues at the Lobo, I apologize for bringing this kind of attention to the paper, and will do my absolute best to ensure this does not happen again.
Charlie Shipley
Daily Lobo staff reporter
