You are a murderer

Imagine that someone you love dies accidentally when you're both on a fishing trip with a friend. Imagine that you try to save your loved one but you're too late. Imagine that you're racked with grief and "what-ifs" about the situation. Imagine that everyone at the time (including the coroner) agrees that it is an accident.

Then imagine that you're accused of killing that person that you loved. Imagine you're called a murderer and hounded wherever you go. Imagine that no evidence is ever found to support any other verdict than an accident, but for over five years people twist the facts, calling your friends, family and employers to tell them you are a "murderer".

I know someone who has experienced this first hand. Dan Mason's wife died in a tragic accident while they were fishing with a friend. Dan suffered from hypothermia and shock as a result of trying unsuccessfully to save her. Everyone who arrived on the scene agreed that this was an accident. The coroner ruled her death an accident. In keeping with her wishes, Nancy Mason's body was cremated. It was all over except for the grieving and pain.

But it wasn't over.

The emotions of Nancy Mason’s family grew in grief, and the need to blame someone became overwhelming. So when a long-time, wealthy, personal adversary became involved, accusations began to fly and a private investigation was financed. While not successful in providing proof of any misdeeds, this privately-funded investigation did manage to produce large quantities of suspicion, propaganda, and political pressure.

Colorado District Attorneys from the 11th Judicial District have instructed authorities that “there was and is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution”. Nevertheless, this advice has been continually ignored and Dan Mason has suffered from slander and harassment to such a degree that his professional life and his personal life are in shambles.

How long could you hold a job if people came to your employers and told them you were a murderer? How many of your family and friends would stand by you if they received calls stating, “This man is very dangerous and you should never be alone with him. Dan Mason is a murderer and you will be the next victim.” How would your reputation stand up to stories in the press painting you as a murderer?