The state of Texas has a unique law that could prevent the public from
learning the details of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in
Uvalde.
The 1997 law was explained by Tony Plohetski, an investigative reporter for the Austin Statesman newspaper.
“Public
release of videos, 911 calls and other evidence from the Uvalde
shooting could provide the most accurate account of that terrible day,
but there are obstacles that we Texas journalists often call the ‘dead
suspect loophole’ that could get in the way,” he explained in a thread posted to Twitter.
“Under
state law, police agencies may hide an investigative file unless a
person is convicted. Over the years, journalists have revealed cases
where — stunningly — families could not learn circumstances of a loved
one dying in police custody because he was never convicted,” he
explained.
“The Devil is a liar, and the father of lies… Call me vain and proud, the greatest sinner ever to walk God’s earth, but Satan’s boy I could never be. I haven’t the humility.”
