I followed that thread and there was photographic evidence that showed that dog was shot near his leash. I still think the officer's actions lacked and FYI, I'm not otter's bud, just calling it as I see it. I read every word posted, every article, have a long history in law enforcement, come from a family that is law enforcement and still didn't feel the officer was right. I'm entitled to my own opinion whether you like that opinion or not. It is my prerogative and if you don't agree with that, fine, we can just agree to disagree agreeably and be done with it.
I do believe in innocent until proven guilty (unless your Drew Peterson who is guilty as hell) but in all this, there hasn't been enough information presented to establish guilt or innocence in the court of public opinion. But with sex offenses, public opinion isn't so open.
I think Tigerly's 1st posting was a typical reaction to news such as this. You are not thinking "what are the circumstances?," you are thinking "OMG, NO!" and a thousand and one other things come to mind. It just takes time for that to settle in.
An accusation, such as this, can ruin a person's life founded or unfounded. This isn't as cut and dry as a man's wife coming up missing and his other one found dead under suspicious circumstances like drowning in a dry bathtub, with interviews, etc. to formulate opinions from. Sex offenses are just different, often on he said/she said information and sometimes have other factors behind them, such as, custody battles, step children who know exactly how to rid themselves of the a-hole step parent they don't want around, alcohol issues, etc. People who are just charged can loose their friends, jobs, house, cars, etc. I have seen it happen. For those close to the situation, you have every right to be cautious and every right to ask questions of your own children who have had contact.
As far as the extended family beyond the accused, they are victims as well and may feel even more shocked and overwhelmed by all of it than just friends in passing because they were the ones close to the accused who would have never thought so-and-so would do such a thing.
I was typing real quick before I went home and used the wrong word. 
eh, you got the point 
