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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Miami Herald introduces a new feature: 'We omitted some information from a story - It's your job to figure out what it is'

Here's a story that appears on the Miami Herald's website today:

Miami man shot and killed by two robbers outside his home

MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Miami police are asking the public’s help in finding two gunmen who robbed and killed a man working outside his home Tuesday.

The victim, identified as Marcus Smith, 58, was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

The daylight robbers made off with a watch, cash and other valuables, said Miami police spokesman Sgt. Freddie Cruz.

“They just fired up on him; the motive appears to be robbery,” Cruz said.

Police said the incident began about 2:05 p.m. when the victim was apparently outside his home at 549 NW 44th Street when he was accosted by the two suspects who shot him several times.

The victim collapsed several feet away and the suspects robbed him of his jewelry then fled on foot.

The men are believed to be in their 20s both with a thin build. One was wearing a red striped shirt, the other a black hoodie.

“I know that’s kind of vague information, but if anyone saw anything, we need them to come forward,” Cruz said.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 305-471-8477.

This story will be updated when more information is available.

Miami Herald photographer Walter Michot contributed to this report.

Now, here's where the fun begins.

The writer has slyly omitted some key information from the story.

Can you guess what it is?  I ask that only because that's apparently what Herald editors want their readers to do: Guess or fill in the blanks.

Here's a hint: The first sentence reads, "Miami police are asking the public’s help in finding two gunmen who robbed and killed a man working outside his home Tuesday."

OK, so what's missing from the Herald story?

Give up?

Here's some help...

Below is the press release sent by Miami Police last night that contains two vital pieces of information that should have been included in a story that begins with the sentence: "Miami police are asking the public’s help in finding two gunmen who robbed and killed a man working outside his home Tuesday."

UPDATE: THE VICTIM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS MARCUS VAUGHN SMITH D.O.B. 11/25.1954. MR. SMITH WAS ALSO PRONOUNCED DEAD SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVAL AT J.M.H.

On July 16, 2013, at approxiatmately 2:05 P.M., the victim was outside a home located at 549 N.W. 44 Street where he was doing some work. The victim was standing on the sidewalk when he was approached by two Black males who shot him several times. The victim then collapsed several feet away, at which time they took his jewelry. The subjects then fled in an unknown direction on foot. The victim was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

The Miami Police Department is looking for:

Suspect #1 Black male, 5-9 to 5’10, thin built, in his 20’s, wearing a red shirt with stripes.

Suspect #2 Black male, 5’9’to 5’10, thin built, in his 20’s, wearing a black sweater with a hood.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Miami Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (305) 603-6350. Those with information that wish to remain anonymous can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471- TIPS (4877), visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or Send a text message to 274637. Enter CSMD followed by the tip information and press send.





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