On Dec.16, 2012, more information regarding the suspected Connecticut shooter Adam Lanza and his family members were revealed. News reports, such as this Dec. 16, 2012, Jezebel article, have attempted to profile members of Adam Lanza’s family, such as his mother and alleged first victim, Nancy Lanza, but for the most part, they fail. When news broke on Dec. 14, 2012, regarding the deadly massacre that had transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary school, located at 12 Dickenson Drive in Newtown, Connecticut, news outlets gave the wrong name of the suspected gunman, reported a second gunman and stated the suspect’s mother was a teacher at Sandy Hook. These reports have been proved false , and not only impede timely and accurate coverage of the case, but these types of reports may hinder an investigation. In an attempt to “break news,” many reporters erroneously published and shared inaccurate information on live television, through breaking news updates, and on social media networking sites.
So who are Adam Lanza, Ryan Lanza, Nancy Lanza and Peter Lanza?
At this point in the case, it is best to wait for the facts to be revealed, rather than to make presumptions and false accusations. Current speculation has run the gamut from Adam Lanza’s mother being a “Doomsday Prepper” to a weapon-obsessed woman who taught her son how to use firearms. Speculation surrounding Nancy Lanza and her role in raising the 20-year-old who would inflict one of the most bloodies rampages in United States history has resulted in her omission from many victims’ vigils and memorials. The thought that Nancy Lanza may somehow be responsible has overridden the fact that she was shot twice in the head and murdered while sleeping in her bed.
It is too early in the investigation to know Adam Lanza’s motive or to judge Nancy Lanza’s role in her son’s horrific acts. It should be pointed out, however, that Nancy Lanza is a victim of this horrendous atrocity as well.
From what authorities have revealed about Adam Lanza and his family, we know that Adam Lanza was born on April 22, 1992, and lived with his mother at 36 Yogananda Street in Newtown, Connecticut. Nancy Lanza was born on September 6, 1960.
While some media outlets have chosen to name where Adam Lanza’s older brother Ryan Lanza, 24, works, this Examiner has chosen not to. Ryan Lanza was mistakenly named the gunman with national media networks reporting the false information and numerous people through social media networking sites attacking him and his friends on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This drama unfolded before Ryan Lanza had learned that his mother was murdered and his brother had committed suicide after unleashing his brutal rampage on 20 innocent children and 6 innocent and brave staff members who died trying to save the children they had vowed to protect.
Ryan Lanza has been dragged through the media enough.
Just as the victim’s families have requested privacy and shouldn’t be bombarded with media attacks, so too should Ryan Lanza and his father Peter Lanza be given the same consideration. For what has been verified, neither Ryan Lanza nor Peter Lanza knew about the attack and hadn’t been in contact with Adam Lanza for some time. Neither have been named suspects in the Connecticut shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary school.
As many media outlets continue to report conflicting news, it’s best to wait for official confirmation regarding the case, investigation and Adam Lanza’s psychological profile before broadcasting false information.
On Dec. 15, 2012, Lt. J Paul Vance of the Connecticut Police Department provided an update on the case and stated investigators had removed evidence from Adam and Nancy Lanza’s home that may help put together a motive and provide more insight into Adam Lanza’s mindset at the time of the massacre.
Let’s wait until authorities release that information, rather than spreading false reports that may inadvertently hurt the lives and reputations of innocent bystanders.
There have been enough innocent people hurt already.
Remember the victims:
Nancy Lanza, 52, Charlotte Bacon, 6 Daniel Barden, 7 Rachel Davino, 29 Olivia Engel, 6 Josephine Gay, 7 Ana Marquez-Greene, 6 Dylan Hockley, 6 Dawn Hochsprung, 47 Madeline F. Hsu, 6 Catherine V. Hubbard, 6 Chase Kowalski, 7 Jesse Lewis, 6 James Mattioli, 6 Grace McDonnell, 7 Anne Marie Murphy, 52 Emilie Parker, 6 Jack Pinto, 6 Noah Pozner, 6 Caroline Previdi, 6 Jessica Rekos, 6 Avielle Richman, 6 Lauren Rousseau, 30 Mary Sherlach, 56 Victoria Soto, 27 Benjamin Wheeler, 6 and Allison Wyatt, 6.
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