The kind folks over at ABC 15 are having me back again tomorrow morning for their show, Daybreak, to talk about the Serial Shooter trial. Samuel Dieteman, the alleged accomplice in the killing spree, wrapped up his final day of testimony today against his former roommate, Dale Hausner, the Mesa man accused of inciting the violence.
I’m not sure yet what I’ll be talking about, but it will probably include some of the final statements he made this morning while answering questions from the jury. Tune in to KNXV-TV (Channel 15) at about 6:45 a.m. to watch. Who knows? Maybe I’ll have a surprise tidbit for you. I’ll try to think of one.
Funding update
Donations are steadily coming in for the work I’m doing here at HEAT CITY. In the first week, a handful of generous donors have given $155, buttressed by two top donors who gave $50 each, to keep the website going. Basically, think of it this way: Community members have essentially paid for either the web hosting for this site, or else the mobile Internet connection that keeps me live blogging from anywhere. I’m still asking for another $1,845 to pay my bills for a month worth of quality reporting. But I owe a big thanks to you to those of you who have already given.
So give if you can. Even a buck or two will help. You could even pool your money with a few friends or coworkers around the office and pitch in. Every little bit counts.
HEAT CITY gets another shout out
ABC 15 has been having me on regularly and (graciously) plugging my website on air and at abc15.com. The staff members over there deserve as much thanks as I can throw their way. But they’re not the only ones noticing. The blog received some props over at the Phoenix New Times today for my posting of the leaked memo from Arizona Republic publisher John Zidich regarding the unpaid week off all of his employees are being forced to take by their parent, Gannett Company.
Ray Stern, my former colleague a few years back at the East Valley Tribune, had this to say:
If daily newspapers go under, it could be sites like Martin’s that Phoenix residents will turn to for news. But if times are tough at a big newspaper like the Republic, they’re even tougher on entrepreneurs like Martin, who’s forced to scrounge for the few dollars to make his tiny operation work.
It’s true. I’ll take the plug. But I’ll also bow and say thanks to the readers who are sending me story tips and leaking vital news. You are the lifeblood of community-powered journalism.
Appreciate the work you see here? Donate today.