Deseret News | Is woman with cloned pups the '77 kidnapper of LDS missionary?

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Is woman with cloned pups the '77 kidnapper of LDS missionary?

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commnt8r | 8:09 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

At least the SL Trib had the decency to omit the name of the victim.

old ed | 8:12 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The story is relevant as news. It's not gossip or yellow journalism. The fact is that a wacko woman who once kidnapped a missionary has now cloned her dead dog to get five puppies.

The editor is right to have allowed this story to be published. I do, however, agree with others that it wasn't necessary to print the name of the missionary.

The last thing Americans need is media censorship. Stop reporting facts and watch your freedoms disappear.

comment8r | 8:14 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The Tribune article by Paul Rolly did not include the victim's name. It is unfortunate that the DN did not meet the same standards.

Comments continue below

Strange Decision | 8:19 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Usually I'm all for informing the public, the First Amendment, not closing our eyes to ugly realities that affect us, etc.--but I've got to agree, it was a strange decision to run this article. Even if it WAS also in the Tribune.

Dennis Romboy or one of the DesNews editors should have made it clearer why this is news.

For one thing, despite the misleading headline, nobody is really sure this is the same woman.

For another, cloning a dog is unusual, but hardly something that deserves mention in the same breath as kidnapping a missionary in the '70s.

For yet another, and probably most important, we're not sure that THIS woman is (still?) a danger to the victim and/or the public.

Finally, has society been improved by sharing this information? Are we more aware and better off as a public for it?

If this woman IS the same Joyce, and still on the run from the law after all these years, she should be identified and brought to justice FIRST--THEN the DN can report this strange coincidence. Just seems like somebody at the DN really jumped the gun here!

Stella | 8:20 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I am disappointed in this paper for even bringing it up at all let alone naming the victim. How cruel to the victim to bring up the incident after all these years!

Strange Decision (Again) | 8:22 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Whoops--just a quick correction to my earlier comments. I see the CURRENT headline on the article is a question, NOT saying that the two women are the same. YESTERDAY'S headline, however, was a MUCH different story.

A step in the right direction, anyway--but I'd still like to hear Dennis' and the editors' justification for this story.

Naming the victim | 8:24 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I agree with previous posters that DN erred in judgment by publishing the victim's name, and should retract the story and reprint without the name of the victim. This time, the Salt Lake Tribune displayed more journalistic integrity and responsibility than the DN. At the very least DN should apologize for the distress it has caused this man and his family - again, and acknowledge its lapse in judgment.

To those who have made light of, or fail to understand the severity of the harm done to this young man at the time, in this day and age you should have been exposed to more education and enlightenment than was available about this kind of crime thirty years go. If you think it is funny or silly or unbelievable then you are showing your ignorance. At the least you are not displaying compassion for a fellow human being.

New York | 8:27 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The two pictures comparing Joyce MdKinney & Bernann MdKinney can be found by searching Times on Line and the names. I would have included a link, put DN does not post them.

The photos do give cause for pause.

Anonymous | 8:57 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

A search yields a multiplicity of articles surrounding this story. However bizarre, it is news because of the fact that the young woman remains a fugitive from justice after all these years, having fled bail and escaping from England with a false passport.

Pictures look the same | 8:58 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Thanks New York. I did find this compelling and looked up the pictures. I think it's the same lady. Reading the story there, what was already apparent, is now even more clear. She is a very disturbed lady and has been her whole life.

I agree with other posters here, the names of the alleged victim should not have been included in the story. No need to stir up those memories and bring them to the attention of a whole new generation.

Brian | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Oh...by the way...Russian jets are bombing and tanks invading Georgia (not the State) and could we possibly get a picture of the pit bulls?

Paul | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Lest we forget, a newspaperï¿½s purpose boils down to revenue. The greater the readership, the higher it can charge its advertisers. Provocative, humorous, outlandish, controversial, shocking, responsible, and irresponsible news reporting is found in every newspaper, and all of that for the singular and sole purpose of snagging readership and revenue. I interviewed Twyla Martak 20 years ago, the first ï¿½Mormonï¿½ Penthouse centerfold. Penthouseï¿½s corporate office said the press run was increased by 500,000 to meet the demand. Huge dollars. When the Washington Star closed in DC, they had two additional printings for those wanting a souvenir. Huge dollars. Same thing here. The bottom line is the newspaper is for-profit, primarily owned by the Church, but still, itï¿½s for profit. As our standards drop, so drop the standards of our media. Such stories as this are more a reflection of what we the consumers want to buy rather than the state of mind among the Deseret Newsï¿½ staff. Look at how much interest this story has generated. In the business of journalism world, thatï¿½s a ï¿½score.ï¿½ Fix it by canceling your subscription, refuse buying products advertised, and declaring to all of them your reasons. Itï¿½s about money.

Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

It was a sex crime. I agree his name should not have been mentioned. Now he and his family are reliving it all over again. DN not a good move.

ErinN | 9:29 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I just looked at the pictures at the London Times Online and agree it's the same woman. Even in that paper the missionaries name is reported.
I hope you have moved passed all this and are having a wonderful life Mr. Anderson.
God bless you and your family. I will be praying for you.

ErinN | 9:27 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Where is my grammar? I meant "missionary's".

LT | 9:33 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I love how everyone thinks the D-News should issue an apology to the victim. Great idea everyone (sarcastic). By issuing an apology, all it does is create more interest and run the victims name through the mud again. That's probably the worst thing they can do. It would be more appropriate to at least remove the victims name from the on-line addition, but the damage has been done and an "apology" will only add fuel to the fire.

whatelse | 9:43 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Is this what we call news?

AZ | 9:57 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

According to Fox News she used cloraform to be able to tie him up.

Abish | 10:16 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The victim's name certainly shouldn't have been used, but the story is legitimate news. This woman has a LONG history of serious crime -- harassment, assault, tire slashing, running someone off the road, abduction and rape in the UK, then stalking a full 7 years after the abduction/rape -- yet she's still running around loose and apparently has loads of money to burn. Shouldn't her victim have a big judgement against her, and be entitled to some of her wealth? I don't understand how/why she keeps getting charges against her dropped. I can see why the Brits were happy enough to have her out of their country and didn't want to bring her back for trial and prison term, but US authorities should have dealt with her for all her crimes here.

Jon | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The two complaints against this argument seem to be:

1. It's tabloid-quality news from 30 years ago.

2. It uses the victim's name.

Well, first of all, if this woman escaped trial then maybe this article will be the means of bringing her to justice.

Second, The victim's was brought up 30 years ago. I'm sure it's not just being revealed now by this article.

Personally I think it's her. Too many coincidences with her name, the drama teacher/theater class, the willingness to do anything for someone/thing you love (that is, kidnap and rape a guy, and sell your house to clone a pet), the fact that she snapped at the reporter when asked about it (as opposed to, "Huh? Am I who?" which, I think, is how most innocent people would have reacted), and the fact that they look alot alike: Same smile, same eyes, same nose, same poise in a photo. I bet it's her, and I hope she finally, after 30 years gets brought to justice. Psycho.

Jon | 10:39 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Sorry, I meant the two complaints against this ARTICLE, not argument--sheesh, total airhead moment there.

Anonymous | 10:43 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Yeah, this story makes me so glad I subscribe to the Deseret Enquirer. is this type of "news" the result of staff cutbacks?

Bizarre and sad | 10:44 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Not to brag, but I'm young enough that this is the first I've heard of this kidnapping.

Is this for real???

Well, it must be real, which is why it's sad.

It's also bizarre. Consider this: in the 1000+-year history of the English language, the phrase "Mormon-missionary-kidnapper turned dog-cloner" has probably not been uttered or published until this week. That's change we can believe in!

Not just Utah | 10:50 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Sorry to disappoint all of you who have it out for the Des news, but they must have picked it up from all the NATIONAL attention it was getting on national TV news stations such as CNN and Fox news yesterday. They aren't just going after it because it has ties to Utah somehow.

Craig | 11:01 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Check out Gallery for comparative picture.

Wyo Reader | 11:12 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I totally agree with "Nebraska". I'm appalled that the DN or the rest of the press that have covered this story did not think of the victim. Shame on you DN!!

Paul--Well, Sort Of | 11:18 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

"Such stories as this are more a reflection of what we the consumers want to buy rather than the state of mind among the Deseret Newsï¿½ staff."

Paul, somewhat agreed--but the FACT is: Media producers are actually feeding us a large line by telling us that what they produce is supposedly what most of us want to watch or read. (And "We're only supplying public demand" is an outright Big Lie.)

Paul, the media have NO WAY of concretely knowing preference, much less demand. They try to gauge audience preference through LIMITED ratings/readership data, focus groups, and the famous "gut feeling" about audience taste. In short: They GUESS.

So it's MUCH more accurate to say that the media produce what THEY THINK we want to read or watch. Sadly, enough of their audience still turns to it anyway to make it worthwhile for them. Dissidents simply fall off their radar screen.

Also, Paul, the DN caters to a somewhat different demographic. Many in the DN's audience expect the DN to have higher standards than most media--and reflect those standards. And a substandard DN product certainly reflects on the DN's "state of mind"--if not, what else does?

Check yourself | 11:32 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

For those of you bashing the desnews, you should check MSN.COM They have it on the front page right below their main articles. So i guess this is a news worthy story. So maybe you should look into it a little deeper before you start throwing out jabs.

What?? | 11:35 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008

What good would an appology do? The damage is done.

Knows too much? | 12:00 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

If she isnt Joyce McKinney, then by that offended response she gave you can assume she knows who Joyce is and the negative things shes done.

Zeke | 12:07 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

This is a very interesting story. I think it`s the same woman.

mark in austin | 12:08 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

kidnapping missionaries, cloning puppies - - - weird.

I guess when she wants something, she finds a way to get it.

[Joyce] go out with me
[missionary] no - sorry
[Joyce] then i will kidnap you

=======

[vet] sorry, your dogs are dead
[joyce] what? no - then clone me another
[vet] what?
[joyce} here's $50K - clone me some puppies of the same dog.

ice | 12:16 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I'm not bothered that DN ran the story, but that they printed his name. ALL media outlets that did, ought to be ashamed. We can only hope since his last name is a common one, it may afford him a little more anonymity. Hopefully he doesn't even live in Utah anymore. I hope anyone who does know him will have the decency to leave him alone and not ask if he's the same guy. I remember when this happened and know that some were incredulous that something like male rape could happen. Hopefully we've become a little more enlightened and sensitive towards ALL victims of sexual assault.

GC | 12:38 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

This article is hilarious! I personally think this was a worthwhile read - where else would I read it? This is one of the better stories I've read recently.

Ace reporter | 1:11 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I agree that the victim's name should not have been reprinted -- even if it had been out there so many years ago.

But there's one question none of these news stories answers? Anybody worried just how she got the sperm from the dog for cloning? Was it consensual or did she handcuff him to his kennel?

Jenny | 1:19 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Crazy Mormon Dog-Cloning Dominatrix! Ha! This is the best article DN has run in years!

RE: Check yourself | 11:32 a.m. | 1:39 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I can't speak for the others "bashing" the DesNews, some of whom may be a tad overboard, true. But as a former journalist, I personally am criticizing the *paper's article itself.* There are several issues within this DesNews article that could have been better handled--the naming of the victim, whether this woman was actually "Joyce," the relevance of the dog-cloning issue, and so forth.

Sure, the DesNews didn't have much choice to run an article on this subject, given its presence in so many other news outlets. That's the nature of modern competitive watchdog journalism. It's just that what was written HERE could have been done so much better.

Mr. Romboy and the DesNews could have both done better on this story. That's my assessment.

HD | 1:47 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Perhaps Joyce's true intentions 30 years ago were to clone a missionary for her own self purposes.

Disappointed | 1:51 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

While I laughed at the story, I was certainly saddened to hear the victim's name brought up yet again. It is very heartless of DN and all other news organizations to do so. I don't accept DN excuse people will hear it somewhere else. More compassion for victims please. Lose your journalistic callousness.

MI | 1:58 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Shame on Deseret News! Lowering our standards are we? Why would you mention this missionary's name? There is absolutely no reason for this! The story would have been just as interesting had his name been omitted. Shame on you!

Raped? | 2:15 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

hahahaha yeah right that missionary is full of it.

Anonymous | 2:24 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Rumor has it that she wanted to clone a Mormon missionary. But, she could only come up with $50K and decided a dog would have to do.

Mike W | 3:39 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

"Crazy Mormon Dog-Cloning Dominatrix!" LOL!!!

SLMG | 4:01 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Get real folks and read something printed outside Utah. Of course Deseret had to run this story it is in papers around the world and on the internet. I read this story in Australia 2 days ago. If Deseret had not run it they would been accused of hiding behind the church, you can't have it both ways.

It is sad that the missionary's name was used but the media is always looking for sensational news and he is caught in their never ending search to shock.

I remember when this actually happened and it was sensationalized then, 30 years ago.

Texas | 4:27 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I hate it when people judge a case (guilty or not). It's like all rape cases, only the people involved know the truth!!!!!!!!! Don't judge!!!!!!!!!!

NT | 1:34 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008

My heart goes out to the victim and his family, given that we all thought that this issue had died with the passing of time. But what you all need to know is that there were other people involved in this man's life around the time this woman was making his life (and ours) a living hell, that didn't live in Utah or England who knew the victim well while this 'whackadoodle' was harrassing him. Imagine our shock and disgust when we saw this resurrected after 30 years. Please leave the victim and his family alone and drop this entire story. He deserves so much better than this. His name indeed DID NOT need to be dragged through this muck again. This woman feeds on attention- negative or positive, and she's getting exactly what SHE wants. It just doesn't seem fair that she got what she wants, but the victim doesn't get what he wants- anonymity.

James | 3:14 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008

I think that she is the same woman. Looks like it from the pictures.

Mark | 6:29 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008

Well--at least she didn't rape the puppies.

annon. | 4:01 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008

I think it is unfair to say DN is like Enquirer..how do YOU know??? (oh, let me guess, you ONLY read the headlines while standing in line at check-out..., right??) as for the story, it should be told, that RM needs to have his chance to get his day in court. and for using his name in DN... you people who think it is wrong would have been the first to complain, not knowing who it was!!!! his name was not "dragged thru the dirt" he was not the offender here!!! and I am sure his family all know his side and wished all these years that they could catch the awful person who did this. oh, and you think it's NOT her??? look at the mug shot compared to photos today....so obvious! for those that took the time to read the DN article, quit denouncing,.... it's so hypocritical...wait 'til sunday, between Sacrament Mtg and Priesthood/Relief Society....and see who is chatting (or should I say gossiping) about this. count how many say "hey, did you see the story...?" then pray for them, not DN and their reporting.

to annon 401 | 9:07 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008

The problem with printing his name is that there are still a few morons who don't believe male sexual assault is possible. He lived through that "stigma" once and shouldn't be required to relive it, just because some nutjob wants attention. Even if had been a sister missionary who was kidnapped and raped, she shouldn't have her name printed unless she gives permission. All it does is dredge up painful memories and reopen wounds that will only heal when left alone and not picked at by unsympathetic people who don't know the facts of what happened. How would you feel if something truly awful and embarassing happened to you in high school and that's all they talked about at your reunion, while some laughed at pointed fingers at you. You'd probably hope they'd all give it a rest and find something else to talk about. If you'd been sexually assaulted years before, would you want to explain exactly what happened to your kids who may not even know about this incident, but had friends asking about it since they knew the Dad's name was the same as the one in the paper?

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