"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
(Hickory Police Chief, Tom Adkins)
"The Amber Alert on Zahra Baker we've canceled today and the decision to focus this
investigation from a missing child or abducted child will turn into a homicide investigation."
(Nick Simonette)
It's a story we all hate to hear. The story of a child lost...a life cut short in a tragic way.
Zahra Baker's sweet, innocent face did not reveal the hell she was allegedly living through.
The abuse she reportedly suffered.
The ultimate betrayal of love and trust.
We don't know yet who killed her, but we wonder: "How could anyone harm a child?"
"How could they do the unthinkable?"
And "Could it have been stopped?"
These days we tend to live very separate lives...solitary individuals in a crowded society.
We don't know our neighbors. We don't want to get involved.
But children can't fight back against domestic abuse. They may be too afraid to tell the truth.
Afraid that reporting what's happening at home will only make it worse.
We must speak out for their sake.
If you suspect a child is being harmed...get involved. Contact the authorities.
If you're mistaken, you're a little embarrassed. It's worth the risk.
It's too late for Zahra.
But maybe it's not too late for another child who desperately needs our help.
