To the editor:

I’m writing in regards to the photograph (Aug. 30 Journal-World, page 8A) showing the bloodstain where Levi Boothe was slain. Upon seeing the image, I was disgusted, as were the several other people who were with me at the time.

In my studies of journalism at KU, I’ve learned that the objectives of news are to inform, educate and, in some instances, provide a call to action. An accompanying photo or illustration helps to achieve these objectives.

For example, images such as the photographs of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center’s towers helped illustrate the enormity and serious nature of a horrible event.

From my perspective,the sole objective of the image shown of the site where Levi Boothe was slain was to sensationalize the senseless killing of a helpless 11-year-old boy. Please tell me this was not the true intent.

Emily Southard,

Lawrence