Young Homicide Case Turns to the Web
Raleigh, N.C. — Wake County authorities investigating the beating death of a Wake County mother interviewed a local businessman who wrote on his blog his experience viewing autopsy photos in the case, the blogger says.
The blogger, who identifies himself as "RPD," describes in detail what he saw in each of the 27 photos taken of Michelle Young, 29.
It's been three months since Young's sister found the pregnant mother dead inside her home with her young daughter, unharmed, at her side. Investigators still have not named a suspect in the case.
On the Web, there are thousands of entries and blog posts from people like RPD who are interested in the case. Many bloggers write that they are frustrated that there has been no arrest, despite the fact that investigators have clearly put some focus on the victim's husband, Jason Young.
Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby says investigators are in no rush to make an arrest but that they are focused on a proper and thorough investigation.
In an era of hour-long television crime dramas, such as CSI, he says, the public needs to understand that it takes more than 44 minutes to solve a case.
"It takes a lot of self-discipline not to just jump at something where there might be probable cause but to get all of the information out and make sure they don't go off half-cocked," Willoughby said.
More and more investigators, in general, are also using the Internet as a tool to help solve cases. Willoughby believes investigators venture into cyberspace, not out of desperation, but because they want to leave no stone unturned.
"I would expect that the investigators look at everything to try to determine what could be a credible lead and follow it," he said.
Although investigators questioned RPD about his blog post, the Wake County Sheriff's Office will not say what role the Internet has played in helping them with the Young case.
As for RPD, sources close to the case say they do not believe he is connected to Young's death. RPD admits that intrigue was his motivation to see the photos, because his neighbor was a friend of Young. He says that despite his screen name, he is not a Raleigh police officer.
The blogger, who identifies himself as "RPD," describes in detail what he saw in each of the 27 photos taken of Michelle Young, 29.
It's been three months since Young's sister found the pregnant mother dead inside her home with her young daughter, unharmed, at her side. Investigators still have not named a suspect in the case.
On the Web, there are thousands of entries and blog posts from people like RPD who are interested in the case. Many bloggers write that they are frustrated that there has been no arrest, despite the fact that investigators have clearly put some focus on the victim's husband, Jason Young.
Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby says investigators are in no rush to make an arrest but that they are focused on a proper and thorough investigation.
In an era of hour-long television crime dramas, such as CSI, he says, the public needs to understand that it takes more than 44 minutes to solve a case.
"It takes a lot of self-discipline not to just jump at something where there might be probable cause but to get all of the information out and make sure they don't go off half-cocked," Willoughby said.
More and more investigators, in general, are also using the Internet as a tool to help solve cases. Willoughby believes investigators venture into cyberspace, not out of desperation, but because they want to leave no stone unturned.
"I would expect that the investigators look at everything to try to determine what could be a credible lead and follow it," he said.
Although investigators questioned RPD about his blog post, the Wake County Sheriff's Office will not say what role the Internet has played in helping them with the Young case.
As for RPD, sources close to the case say they do not believe he is connected to Young's death. RPD admits that intrigue was his motivation to see the photos, because his neighbor was a friend of Young. He says that despite his screen name, he is not a Raleigh police officer.
- Reporter: Amanda Lamb
- Photographer: Chad Flowers
- Web Editor: Kelly Gardner
RELATED TOPICS: Wake County, Raleigh
Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
8 Comments
| MOST | Viewed | E-mailed | Discussed |
Most E-mailed Stories
Most E-mailed Videos | |||
| MOST | Viewed | E-mailed | Discussed |
Most Discussed Stories
Most Discussed Blog Posts | |||
Multimedia
Key dates in the investigation of Lance Armstrong on charges he used performance-enhancing drugs.
Key events in Iran's relations with the West.
An interactive look at the controversial decision and reversal of the Susan G. Komen Foundation to stop funding breast exams at Planned Parenthood.



![[SLIDESHOW]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/entertainment/out_and_about/2012/02/02/10707648/bbpics_miyon53519-100x75.jpg)
![[SLIDESHOW]](http://wwwcache.wralsportsfan.com/asset/basketball/2012/02/09/10705803/10705803-1328766083-100x75.jpg)
![[SLIDESHOW]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/lifestyles/travel/2012/02/08/10704761/10704761-1328743348-100x75.jpg)
![[SLIDESHOW]](http://wwwcache.wralsportsfan.com/asset/colleges/2012/02/08/10705323/austin-100x75.jpg)






WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.
This story is closed for comments.
February 8, 2007 6:37 p.m.
February 8, 2007 8:58 a.m.
You're in our hearts Michelle
February 8, 2007 8:15 a.m.
February 7, 2007 11:40 p.m.
February 7, 2007 10:16 p.m.