Recently, Rolling Stone released its controversial August 1 issue, its cover emblazoned with a self-portrait of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev:
Many cancelling subscriptions and removing issues from stores in protest of this cover (imgur)
In response to the cover, Sergeant Sean P. Murphy, released photos he took during the teen’s capture on April 19, 2013, in Watertown in an attempt to stop the glorification of the suspect.
The album below highlights Murphy’s photos of the arrest, including actions leading up to Tsarnaev’s apprehension, images of the bloodied suspect with a laser pointed at his forehead, and evidence of his medical treatment following capture by police:
Now the photographer, a 25-year-veteran of the Massachusetts State Police, is on restricted duty while an internal investigation is conducted to identify whether or not Murphy’s actions violated policies. Federal prosecutors worry that the public release of Murphy’s photos, which may be considered evidence, threatens the integrity of Tsarnaev’s trial.
State Police Colonel Timothy Alben says it’s not likely that Sergeant Murphy will lose his job, but he will be held accountable for his decisions. Though many are criticizing the photographer’s actions, he also has a large group of supporters who are praising the publicity of his photos.
Especially when it comes to high-profile trials, photographs may hold more power than many photographers realize.
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