"Dallas Police Shooting"
Recipient of the STAR BREAKING NEWS REPORT award in The Charles E. Green Awards (2024)
Staff reporters
The Dallas Morning News
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Judge’s Comments:
The Dallas Morning News coverage of the shooting death of Officer Darron Burks and serious injuries to two other officers stands out for its detail, sensitivity and scope. Described by the chief as a premeditated execution, the attack broke late at night and involved a chase and fatal shooting of the suspect as well.
The first-day story provided complete details on timing, sequence, location, weapons, pursuit and inspiring background on the slain officer – a veteran schoolteacher who came to law enforcement later in life. The timeline graphic and the chase map add context for complete coverage.
Subsequent stories include impressive details, given the deadline, on the shooter including a review of his social media posts, his affiliation with a little-known group and an effort to background that group, his previous court record, and an ominous encounter with law enforcement just days prior. The description of police radio transmissions is particularly gripping, as is the police video of the final moments. The chief’s emotional news conference, along with description of the ER scene, the comments (both print and video) of fraternity brothers, former students and fellow police trainees, complement the coverage.
The history and context of the For Oak Cliff community center shows deep local knowledge and respect for that community. The extensive interview with the shooter’s family is striking in this circumstance and presented even-handedly.
For these reasons, the August 2024 police shooting coverage by The Dallas Morning News staff earns recognition as the Breaking News Report of the Year.
John Bartosek
Judge’s Bio:
John Bartosek is the former editor of The Palm Beach Post in South Florida. In 24 years at The Post, he served as Editor, Managing Editor, Deputy Managing Editor and News Editor. He also worked as News Editor at The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., and began his journalism career at TODAY Newspaper in Cocoa, Florida. After leaving The Post, he worked briefly as editor of Politifact.com/Florida. He is a former president and contest chair for the Florida Society of News Editors and a former chair of APME’s Credibility Committee. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and received an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. He retired in 2024 after 12 years as Communications Officer for Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.
To watch the award-winning coverage from the team at The Dallas Morning News, click the links below:
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