Summary of media coverage
December 1989 - January 1998

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America guarantees Freedom of Speech as a basic right to each individual.

While this instrument of communication was designed to inform objectively and - whenever possible - to effect positive change, it is oftentimes abused for the sake of sensationalism or one-sided political viewpoints as well as selected releases with statements taken out of context or filled with speculative insinuations.

The employment of such unethical practices frequently lead to establishing a preconceived mindset among the public audience without them having the benefit of full information. It is understandable that a high-profile case, especially when the victim is a small child, rouses the entire gamut of emotions, outrage, concern, fury, and the express desire to hold the perpetrator responsible for his (meant generically) actions. However, irresponsible, non-factual, and uninvestigative reporting are not acceptable under the provisions of Freedom of Speech. It is manipulative and can be deadly.

Suggestive and subjective reporting in the above time frame have certainly pre-tried and convicted Debbie Milke, long before she entered the courtroom.

• The Phoenix Gazette 12/04/1989
  "Body of slain boy,4, discovered in desert"
  
  
  
  
  
• Arizona Republic 09/14/1990
  "Tactic on mom's confession defended by former detective."
  
  
  
  
  
• New Times, October 17-23,1990
  "A Mom writes about her son."
  
  
  
• New Times 11/1991
  "Hi, I'm Debbie Milke. And I'm on death row for killing my little boy."
  
  
  

Based on the meanwhile extensive media coverage worldwide, we would like to condense this chapter for easier reading and to furnish you with an overview/excerpts of the most pertinent coverages until January 1998.