If the next of kin doesn't authorize it Va. Tech or the state of Virgina can't release the name of

[RB TexLa]

victim can they?

[Ignacio Upton]

1. Then why hasn't there been an example of this is previous school shootings?

None of the people killed in Columbine or any of those other shootings denied release of their names. And it will get out eventually if a friend of a friend (and so forth) tells someone and it leaks online.

[jobycom]

2. I don't know why not.

Death certificates will be public knowledge, as would any trial records of the victims. The investigations would have to be public record. They usually withhold names until they can notify the next of kin, but I've never heard that they aren't allowed to release names of adult victims.

[hlthe2b]

5. Yes... Death Certificates are public...

I also don't know of any reason that all the names would not be eventually released-- once next of kin have been notified.

[RB TexLa]

6. But not the cause of death, most states don't make that public for a set amount of time

50 years or so. Unless you have a legitimate reason for knowing the cause of death. Neither the media or the public have such a need.

[jobycom]

8. I don't think that's right.

Maybe in the case of a person dying of an illness or natural causes, but that would have more to do with medical privacy. I've never heard of a murder victim's name being withheld. Rape victims, yes, but there are specific laws in most states to protect their identities.

Murder victims are usually considered part of the public's "right to know." I don't think a family could stop the authorities from releasing the name of a murder victim, unless they were a minor, and then I'm still not sure. Certainly the name would have to revealed at trial.

[pitohui]

9. the dead have no right to privacy under usa law

names being held to allow for notification of kin is just a simple act of decency to give family members some space to catch their breath

the names will be released, some are being released already

[KT2000]

3. Always thought

that withholding the name was for the consideration of relatives until they are notified. I don't think anyone can prevent the release of names unless the person is a minor.

[pitohui]

4. it will become public information in due course

the dead have no right to privacy, however, as a matter of courtesy, it is considered right and decent to inform family members first if at all possible

i know it is maddening if you are worried about someone -- i well remember frantically searching for lost people during katrina -- but eventually this infornmation does become public information if there is no other way to get it

i hope you are not personally affected by this, if so, i can only say :hug: and i hope your missing person turns up okay and it's cell phones acting up (which i hear it's hard to get calls thru)

[RB TexLa]

7. Not personally affected

[pitohui]

10. that's good, you worried me!

as far as informational purposes, the names are coming, just give them a little space

[RB TexLa]

11. I don't think there is any reason to release the names