Story:  “Good Guy” Holds Teacher, Students Hostage

1.  The news values present in the story are proximity and the bizarre and unusual.

2.  Who: Eli Dean (student), a teacher and, “about 15 students.”

      What: A hostage situation/stand-off with police.

      When:  11:10 a.m. until about 2 p.m., Monday

      Where: Central High School

      Why and how: Dean entered the classroom with a firearm.  The why is somewhat unclear, but the reporter made several attempts                                      to explain.  First, the article makes it clear that Dean was suspended twice in the past two weeks for pranks.                                                Second, the article quotes a fellow student whose hypothesis is that Dean, seemingly a great guy, was upset and                                          went crazy.  

3.  Of the three major types of sources, this article used people (the police Sgt. and the student) and records (perhaps Central High School’s record of Dean’s suspensions).  

4.  Sources:  Police Sgt.Martin Jenkins – The reporter either called Jenkins’ office or attended a press conference.

                        Amanda Garr – The reporter could have gone to the school shortly after the incident or gotten in contact with her by                                                                 phone.

5.  The major point of the story that could contain inaccuracy is the entire premise that Eli Dean is such a “good guy.”  The reporter quotes a “fellow student” who supports Dean’s good character but that is all.  Additional sources supporting that notion could enhance the premise that Dean is in fact widely viewed as a good guy.  Also, the fact that “Good Guy” appears in the headline increases the need for more evidence on the fact.