I'm unclear as to why some think that LE and/or the media have been targeting the parents publicly. All I have seen is LE stating that the parents stopped cooperating, and then later that they aren't cooperating fully to LE's satisfaction and that LE needs separate interviews. LE attempted to have the search warrant suppressed from media, but judge declined. LE has continuously stated that the parents are not suspects, clarified that the parents are answering some questions about tips, and announced that they are looking at all options and will continue looking for Lisa. I've never heard LE say either parent lied, that they are bad people, or anything of that nature.
I think the media has simply reported what has been presented to them (sometimes with inexcusable errors on all fronts). They allowed Debbi to answer some questions and avoid others in early national interviews without pushing, they published the story from Debbi's dad and her ex MIL about Debbi's past, they have given the parents' attorneys countless opportunities to speak and spin. They have continuously re-iterated LE's statement that the parents are not suspects. Now, if we're talking about talking heads weighing in with their opinions (rather than media reports), some strongly defend the parents and others do not, same with any case featured on opinion shows.
Imo, the worst things released about the parents and contributing to public perception came from the parents and their team, by far. I don't see how these things can be laid on LE or the media's feet:
- Debbi says she failed a poly, she admits to gaps in her time line that she can't fill in and her dad says there are inconsistencies (itty bitty ones) between Debbi and Jeremy's accounts.
- Ashley Irwin says Debbi is preparing to be arrested.
- Debbi changed her time line by almost 4 hours in the same interview where she admits to being drunk, possibly to the point of blackout.
- Debbi is not apologetic or remorseful about being drunk; she defends her adult time and says it has nothing to do with Lisa's disappearance.
- Picerno says the parents are "doing better" after 6 weeks and are moving towards getting back to "100% normal lives".
JMO...