The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Eddie Salazar case

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February 9, 2010

In our view: We are all heartsick

More details are unfolding about the death of 8-month-old Eddie Salazar, now known throughout our community simply as “Baby Eddie.”

The story surrounding the death of the Carthage boy has gripped the hearts of our readers, and shocked the community. Emotions are running high — ranging from grief to anger.

The Rev. Steven Wilson, of Grace Episcopal Church, which has about 100 Hispanic members, in a Monday story poses this question: “(We) ask ourselves how this can happen in a town we think is very Norman Rockwell.”

The baby boy was reported missing Thursday and found dead two days later, his body in Spring River. The boy’s father has been arrested on a charge of filing a false police report, and we anticipate further information on the case will soon be made public.

Wilson’s words to his congregation and to the community are ones we hope our readers will remember.

“Evil and tragedy are not the exclusive” elements of any particular social or ethnic group. “We need to be quick to offer prayers and slow to offer opinions,” he said.

Moises Marquez, pastor of Hispanic ministries at the First Nazarene Church of Carthage, said the community is still searching for answers about what happened to Baby Eddie and why it happened.

“We are sad, very sad,” said Marquez. “We pray for them, cry for them. The whole Hispanic community is very sad.”

Pastor, please add to that list the entire community.

Baby Eddie, we all cry for you and those who loved you.

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Eddie Salazar case