Saturday afternoon (08/09/08) I witnessed and photographed the pain no mother should ever have to endure. I was sent to the Glendale neighborhood on the west side of Salt Lake City where Magdalena Rodriguez's lost her 13-year-old son Kevin Carrillo. Kevin was killed while riding on the back of a scooter that was driven past a stop sign into traffic.
Kevin died within one block of his home. His body fell within sight of his front porch.
I hate to cover these scenes. When I put the car into gear I know I am about to race off to go witness some one's worst tragedy. Regrettably, it's seems to be a theme replaying over and over again this summer.
When I arrived, I pulled up to the standard issue road block, flashed my credentials to the officer manning the post who waved me past to continue a block down what once was a busy artery but was now where reporters stood in the road at the edge of a yellow tape line.
It was that late afternoon yellow light I first noticed and it seemed the temperature was very comfortable. The recent heat seemed to be waning. It would have been a beautiful day to get out and enjoy the weather.
However, in the middle of the road was a smashed scooter that had been first hit by an compact car then a full-size crew van.
I began with the standard scene setter shots of the investigation which showed the road, officers investigating the accident and a group of onlookers.
I had the scene covered so I began looking for the emotional impact this accident had caused. I wadded into the group watching the roadway. Once there I met up with my reporter and we began interviewing teenagers and adults who knew the victims and many had witnessed the accident. The shots from that situation helped tell the story and reinforce the fact a real person was killed. Someone that was known and loved.
After spending about an hour at the scene the reporter and I decided to try to find Kevin's family.
We quickly found his whole family grieving on his front porch one block to the west where a memorial with his picture and candles had already been erected. As we approached I could hear his mother's sobs from behind a group of family members.
I couldn't see her but I kept my cameras down and waited as the reporter started talking to family members. I sure as hell wasn't going to race up onto her porch and jam a camera in her face. She has been through so much in the last hour and I am there to tell a story, not cause more pain and suffering.
After some discussions with my reporter and family members who could speak both Spanish and English I was allowed by Magdalena onto her porch to shoot photos of the photos of Kevin. I think that after showing the family I wasn't there to cause any harm and being respectful of them while I was on the porch they allowed me to stay.
Nothing was ever said, but nothing had to be.
Magdalena began telling us about Kevin and the accident. I am purposely omitting the graphic details but what this family witnessed I hope that none of my loved ones ever have to endure.
She and her whole family allowed me to listen to the story of Kevin and allowed me to photograph her pain. For a few minutes they allowed themselves to trust a complete stranger and I am very grateful for it.
The photo of Magdalena on the porch with her sorrow and memories of Kevin ran as a centerpiece on the local section front Sunday morning.
These stories are always hard to cover and not something I ever look foreword to. I just hope that it sparked a few discussions on Sunday morning. Maybe just an extra hug and kiss before loved ones parted ways for the day.
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