The death of 20-year-old Tyler Hall is a tragedy, and that is something everyone can agree on.
It may be the only thing people can agree on as speculation and rumor swirl around the Nov. 10 shooting death. This paper has perhaps received more whispers, calls and emails concerning this case than any other in recent history.
Lowndes County coroner Greg Merchant confirmed Hall died from a single gunshot wound to the head on the evening of Nov. 10 at a residence on Phillips Hill Road in New Hope, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office ruled the death as accidental and self-inflicted. The LCSO said the death occurred after Hall and others were playing a form of Russian roulette. No charges have been filed, though as of this morning the investigation into the shooting death remains open.
Before the story broke in the media, the rumor mill around this incident was running. We have heard accusations against nearly every involved party, accompanied by all sorts of conjecture and conspiracy theories.
The Dispatch has also been criticized by what some people believe to be an effort to cover up the true story. We stand by our reporting to date. As new facts emerge, we will continue to follow the story and report it according to the available information.
Outside of law enforcement and the coroner, our reporters have talked to multiple people close to the incident. No credible story line that contradicts the official ruling has yet emerged.
Reporting unsubstantiated rumors is helpful to no one and, in fact, can only produce harm by inflicting more pain on the families and friends affected by this tragedy.
Given the nature of the death, it is understandable that initial findings are difficult to accept, but we urge patience and restraint until more details are known through the release of the state medical examination report. It is far better to wait until the facts emerge to make judgments.
That, too, is something everyone should be able to agree on.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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