Dear Editor,

Keithley Trial

On Sept 30, 2016, we started receiving various types of messages regarding an article written in that weeks’ addition of The Fairfield Recorder. The first story on the front page, “Life for predator.” We are the Keithley’s, the family that this happened to.
We have the understanding and respect for the media having the need to report stories such as this…but accurately.
We found 3 discrepancies in this article, the first one was the victims (my daughter) age which is 15 not 16, the second one is that there were 12 jurors not 11 (4+7=11) and last but most important is the misquote of the oldest daughter on the stand during the punishment phase.
She testified that Keithley had abused her as well and that she had warned the victim’s mother to keep her away from Keithley”.
Yes, she did state she was abused by Keithley, but never stated she warned the victim’s mother (me). Let me clarify, not only did she NOT say this, she didn’t warn me. The first time we spoke was on Sept 21st, 2016.
I called (the morning of Sept 30th) The Fairfield Recorder and spoke directly to the person that had reported this in accurate story. Was I emotional, absolutely! I was received by a very flip attitude, as I explained and all but begged her to correct her mistakes in the article. I was told she would not correct them unless court ordered to do so. Never was she apologetic, nor did she offer to look into it, research the facts. I asked to speak to her boss, who apparently was not in.
So I asked for a return call and left my number, I am still waiting for that call back.
Have we not been thru enough? We fought in court, now we have to fight the media to report the facts accurately. This is a representative of a paper accusing me inadvertently of something by misquoting a witness in a trial. This is defamation of character to say the least and to be ill-treated by this paper is inexcusable.
Again, we understand the media [The Fairfield Recorder] has the right to report stories to the community and the community has the right to know, but accurately! When confronted with mistakes, serve your paper and community by apologies and corrections.

Thank you,
Tanya and Jera Keithley