Reactions to the William Atkinson murder case

Abstract: Christy George interviews Dorchester residents about the William Atkinson murder case. Reverend David Venator (United Church of Christ) says that the state could have filed more charges against the defendants; that violations of the civil rights of minorities have become commonplace. Venator says that the Dorchester community needs to deal with the racial prejudice which provoked the death of William Atkinson (Boston resident). Christy George (WGBH reporter) comments that Venator has condemned racial prejudice more severely than Francine Atkinson (William Atkinson's sister). Venator says that he can condemn racial prejudice because he is white; that he does not condone any kind of violence. Venator says that the Atkinson case is an example of a civil rights violation; that he has never experienced racial violence to that degree as a white man. A white male Dorchester resident says that Atkinson's death was not an isolated incident. The man notes that the Dorchester community has reacted strongly and quickly against Atkinson's death. The man says that the Dorchester community intends to see justice done in this case. George asks a white female Dorchester resident if she thinks that the media attention given to the Atkinson case helped bring about a more thorough investigation and the filing of stronger charges. The woman says that the media coverage is a result of the strong reaction against Atkinson's death by members of the Dorchester community. George comments that many white Dorchester residents are supporting the cause of William Atkinson. The woman says that Dorchester residents of all races are working together to fight racial violence and to make Dorchester a safer community. The tape includes footage of court proceedings in Suffolk Superior Court. George Hurd (Judge, Suffolk Superior Court) presides over the courtroom. The lawyers for the defendants identify themselves. The five defendants each plead not guilty to the charges against them. The charges are read out loud. John Kiernan (Assistant District Attorney) makes bail recommendations for the five defendants.

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