Uh-Uh: WFTV Pisses Off OPD

Orlando police continue their investigation into the double murder at the Middlebrook Farms Apartments which left Khoy Williams, 24, and 17-year-old Jonathan Cook dead on Tuesday, but are upset with Channel 9’s WFTV for incorrectly reporting that Williams had a criminal history.

OPD’s Sergeant Jim Young of the Public Information Office said, in a strongly worded statement Wednesday said that, WFTV’s on air broadcast implied that police had mis-identified Williams, which wasn’t the case.  Young also said that WFTV’s reporting had potentially harmed the investigation.

Young stated:

“This story [WFTV] has caused not only distraught for the victims families, but has also potentially jeopardized the investigation. The family is extremely upset that WFTV has stated their daughter had a criminal history and stated what that history was, which is not true of the victim. The investigation is potentially harmed as the public would most likely not provide information if believing a victim has a criminal past, which the victim in this case has none.”

OPD has requested an on air apology from Channel 9 for their reporting error and a correction of their online story, “to ensure that factual and accurate information is provided and demonstrate some degree of compassion for the victims and their families.”   A check of WFTV’s website  of a story published late Tuesday night captioned, “Two Killed in Early Morning Orlando Shooting,” contains in the last line, “WFTV incorrectly identified that William had a criminal history, but she did not. WFTV apologizes for the error.”

Meanwhile, investigators are continuing with their investigation with the view to solving this double murder in which a third person, a 22-year-old man was also injured.

Police said, there were two suspects described by witnesses:  

Suspect#1: a thin black male, early 20’s, approximately 5’7, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and white shoes.

Suspect#2: a thin Hispanic male, early 20’s, approximately 5’5 to 5’7, wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Police also said, the motive for the killings is still unknown.  

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.