Homicide victim: Black man’s life gets short shrift

Re: “Felon charged with killing Tacoma police dog, gang member,” (TNT, 8/18).

This headline and news article are completely insensitive. Before Jake Red was an alleged “gang member” he was a son, brother, uncle and beloved friend.

The fact that the editor decided to use these words to describe him while mentioning his death is completely insensitive to those who knew him best.

It is also upsetting to see that the photo chosen is that of a dog, not the man who was killed. It is completely tone deaf and sends the message that a Black man’s life is less important than an animal’s.

In light of the current political climate, your choices should be re-evaluated and ultimately changed. Please do so as you’re a trusted news source for the Pacific Northwest. Your community deserves better.

This story was originally published August 26, 2020 at 10:10 AM with the headline "Homicide victim: Black man’s life gets short shrift."