August 14, 2012

suspected of/alleged

The following is from a news report about the man who killed 12 people in a movie theatre:

" The man suspected of fatally shooting 12 people in a Colorado movie theatre left a good impression on people he met ...... "

I don't understand why the reporter used suspected of. Readers may think it means the man may not be the killer. I think charged with would be more correct. It is a fact and there are many witnessess. Of course the man can plead not guilty or claim he was mentally ill.



In recent news you read about men alleged to have sex with underaged girls.

Alleged means having done something wrong although it has not been proved.

If the men are charged in court, it means the prosecutions have the proofs or evidence. It is up to the judge to look at these evidence and to see if there are mitigating factors. I doubt any man can get away without a jail sentence.

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