Web site may play role in accident investigation

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Wow. - 2008-08-21 01:47:12

Candy is a child. Just because you're considered a legal adult at the age of 18 does NOT mean that you are in any way a mature adult. Many KIDS I know live at home until the age of 20 or 21. I'm sure she's lost and miserable right now.
Everyone makes mistakes, whether you're 2 or 72. It's only circumstance in which this one was a big one.
It was a horrible accident and you know she'll remember it for the rest of her life, and it will follow her everywhere. To fling cruel words about is easy, especially when you're not involved. And I'm quite sure that bickering over it isn't making anyone on either side of the accident feel any better.

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S. G. - Millington, MD - Karma: Bad

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Accident - 2008-08-17 19:28:15

First off my prayers go to the family of Mr. Short. God bless you. I myself have lost 2 family members from drunk drivers. Im sorry for being so hateful towards Ms. Baldwin but its a shame Mr. Short swerved and didnt hit her head on, at least we all know he wouldnt of been killed. I have learned that she was under the influence at the time of the accident. I hope she suffers everyday for what she has done. May god forgive her for the life she has taken.

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Madison L. - Harwood, MD - Karma: Bad

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Jennifer - 2008-08-16 23:09:10

Ms Short, my thoughts and prayers are with your family I know that this was a terible unexpected loss for you and your family ...... May God be with you!

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Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Upset? - 2008-08-16 21:45:01

Please do not use my family's words to absolve Candy of her mistake. We're not upset? That's a very bad choice of words. We are devastated. Yes, we are Christian. Yes, some of us have forgiven Candy, but some of us are struggling deeply with it. That being said, no one in our family wants Candy to be personally attacked. The myspace link should not have been reported. We are still waiting for test results. But, either way, they will not bring back John. We have lost a good man, husband, father, and grandfather. Please just remember that.

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Jennifer Short - Newark, DE - Karma: Bad

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Reality Check - 2008-08-15 12:39:30

Mr. Short obviously had a definite reality check, and obviously lived his LAST day as the last day of his life, he swerved to miss injuring someone and it resulted in the taking of his own life...Kudos? Mr. Short, God Bless You and your family. Who could ask for more.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Probably - 2008-08-15 12:09:42

Yes I do believe she probably was drinking, but I am keeping an open mind and hoping she was smart enough not to drink and drive. I do however still think it's in bad taste to give out the link to her myspace page. All parties involved are entitiled to privacy. I do feel for the driver who lost his life, and my prayers are with that family. My prayers are also with the young lady who caused this terible accident as well, as I said she does need to carry this with her for the rest of her life. KW you seem to have some anger management issues, blasting young girls and attacking eastern shore residents ...... might you have some road rage issues and be a danger yourself? Please do us a favor and go back to your Washington Post and stay in Montgomery County!

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Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Wrong is wrong - 2008-08-15 11:41:14

The My-Space posting clearly go to the character of this young ADULT. The day she turned 18, in the eyes of the law, she became an adult. If people are so stupid as to post this kind of behavior for the world, i.e. PARENTS, law enforcement, attorneys, employers, etc., to see than that, too, speaks volumes. While I have had issues with what I have thought to be character assassination by the Capital in the past, not so in this case. They posted a link to her own words and own photographs. It's kind of difficult to take that out of context - she selected, reviewed, and posted the material herself. It should be noted that at least two of the three Baltimore television stations ran with this story as well; at least one of which showed pictures from the site. Was she drinking and driving? I don't know and neither do any other of the posters here. I suspect she probably was but I am able to keep on open mind until the toxicology results are reported. Like the authorities have done, I am not willing to condemn this young lady and label her a criminal when all the facts are not in. Was the bridge to blame? No, the bridge didn't "do it" but it most definitely contributed. Not only is two way traffic for four miles up to 180+ feet in the air ridiculous, so is the way our elected officials have handled the still non-existent "third span". Folks, not everyone will be happy with the construction of the third bridge but it must be done! Finally, my condolences to the family of the truck driver. That gentleman was out working to support his family when the poor judgment of someone else added to the poor conditions of two way bridge traffic and caused this man to lose his life. My question is how many more deaths will two way bridge traffic contribute to before a third span is open for traffic?

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Jeffrey O. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2008-08-15 11:33:05

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- Karma: Bad

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Anger. - 2008-08-15 11:16:41

I have a life thank you. A good one where I work 2 jobs and I go to college, I dont think its possible to make it any better. But thanks for the suggestion. God has a whole lot to do with this arguement, this newspaper, and us. He has alot to do with the Short family too. Church would do you some good. Have you read the latest, because the Shorts have religion they arent upset because they believe everything happens for a reason. Nice isnt it?! http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1459792

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Kimberley Mills - CHester, MD - Karma: Bad

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Kimberly Mills - 2008-08-15 11:01:18

I would not bring GOD into this argument. Get a freaking life!

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K W - rockville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Mistake? - 2008-08-15 10:59:44

This was a mistake? Nope she was selfish to get behind the wheel of her car. She deserves everything coming to her, and as for all her supporters and people who care what happens to her, whats coming to you will come around...Supporting a murderer is not something I will have on my conscious. You disgust me with your petty I love all people arguments. Grow some you know whats...its people like you who get stepped over in this world and I would not look back twice if I ever stepped over you. Good riddance and good bye. Try the washington post site, there are more people like me with the strong will to believe in the bad and know that it is what happens most of the time. Maybe because this is a small town site thats why all the posts on this page are completely unrealistic and ridiculous.

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K W - rockville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Reality Check. - 2008-08-15 10:28:49

Reality check?! You need a reality check, KW. Life is about living each day as if it were your last, its about treating other people how you want to be treated. Only God can judge, only God controls human life. God cant make your decisions for you, but he is the creator and destroyer. It's not up any of us to judge someone. People my age get on Myspace to keep in touch with friends, and update them on whats going on with us. I didnt say I was taking up for the girl, or, Poor Candy... But this girl has enough on her plate from reporters, and the law, to last an eternity, she doesnt need the public to tell her the same things. Im sure she probably is really upset about this. When a tradgety like this happens I think its best to leave it to the law to decide what happend, and whether they want to press charges or not. Its not up to any of us so why should we judge?! I believe in Karma, what goes around comes around. I hope any of us that ae judging her never make one simple mistake and accidently kill someone like Miss Baldwin did.

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Kimberley Mills - CHester, MD - Karma: Bad

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K W - 2008-08-15 09:32:15

Wow...I hope that you never make a mistake. I am not saying that what this girl did was right (falling asleep or drinking and driving), but I would hope that you treat your own mistakes the same way you are casting judgement on this girl. What would you have them do...string her up in public and stone her. Really...I believe you are the one that needs a reality check. To the family of man who was lost, I truly am sorry for your loss. I don't know you, nor the girl responsible for the accident but this was a horrible thing that happened to your family. I am truly sorry for your loss!

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T. Brookman - Huntingtown, MD - Karma: Bad

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I am still in disbelief - 2008-08-15 09:05:13

Poor Candy? Seriously? You know what get a real perspective on this. I dont feel bad that her myspace account cannot have comments, I dont feel bad if she is depressed, because she killed a man. Kimberly Mills, if all you car about is posting and her freinds ona freaking myspace account, you need a huge reality check. You know what I dont feel bad for judging because I dont have a small mind like half of the people commenting on this site. Lets think truly about the reality of the situation. And fine maybe she did not drink and fell asleep...does that make the situation any better. If she fell asleep she is still negligent and caused a man to die. The only person/people I feel bad for are Mr. Shorts family.

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K W - rockville, MD - Karma: Bad

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What if?! - 2008-08-15 08:10:22

Yes... Candy Balwin made a mistake, yes she parties, yes she is a typical college girl.... but what did most of you guys do in college?! Sit around frat houses and study... right. We all know that Miss Baldwin killed someone and that is something she will live with for the rest of her life. You dont think she feels bad about it?! She admitted to causing the accident and the drug, and alcohol tests will be back shortly. What if this girl saw the things people were posting, and saying about her, and decided to jump off the bay bridge and kill herself the following day, wouldnt you feel bad, because you were the one saying these bad things about her?!

We all make mistakes. Some of them deadly. How often have you dosed off behind the wheel? Or even pulled out in front of a car, or went out with some co workers to the local bar and got behind the wheel after only 3 drinks, or even got in an accident that was your fault. Im sure she is sorry, and she will be paying the consequences... but something like this could happen to anyone. Like I said we all make mistakes, just because yours wasnt deadly doesnt mean that your better than her.

Lets not make her feel worse than the the tv, radio, and newspaper, already have.

Can we please stop focusing and gossiping about Candy's myspace page.... this is pathetic. People are piecing together what they think happened on the bridge because of her pictures on myspace. If I was her I would change my stuff to private too. I cant even look at her page anymore or comment her or anything, because she deleted all of her friends. Until police officials get the tests back, I think everyone should lighten up on the drinking and driving bit... Especially what everyone saw on myspace. Yes, it could very well be that she was drinking, but lets not accuse her until we really know.

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Kimberley Mills - CHester, MD - Karma: Bad

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evindence - 2008-08-14 19:57:03

"Just because you see a few pictures of someone drinking on Myspace doesn?t mean they are alcoholics"

Since when does everyone find underage drinking no big deal?

If I post on a public website how I really enjoy doing something illegal, that absolutely should be used as evidence against someone.So the argument should not be whether the site can be used as evidence. The argument should be if the capital felt the need to share the link with the world rather then just reporting on it.

"Poor judgment on her part to post such foolishness, kids do stupid things trying to be "cool"."
And they must learn to be accountable for their mistakes.. Most mistakes kids make don't end with a man dead.

even if she wasn't drinking falling asleep at the wheel is no excuse. Sounds like criminally negligent homicide to me..

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Tom L. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Out Of Line - 2008-08-14 18:04:36

I am shocked and disappointed by this report.

Even if guilty, Candy has enough to handle without personal attacks. The journalist is twisting information to sell, hoping to get the community riled up. It is NOT trying to keep the community well-informed about current events when it's necessary to point out someone's "light-colored font reminiscent of high school notes". Writing like that is an obvious disparage on the maturity level of the individual.

Everyone is aware that networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook can be used by potential employers and investigators. However, there is no call to use quotes to paint someone's character black when you have no knowledge of the facts.

A 19 year old college student with pictures drinking beer, partying, dressing up for Halloween, etc., is not unique.

I went to high school with Candy and played volleyball with her for 3 years. We were not good friends, but I hate to see something as vindictive as this article. Don't you know she already has someone's life on her conscience now? All it takes is one stupid and irresponsible decision. And we all know how hard that is for teenagers to make. It's enough for me to be sorry for the family and friends of John Short and accept the competency of police investigators without attacking the girl on a personal level.

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Sharon Rose - Barclay, MD - Karma: Bad

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Setting Aside Judgment... - 2008-08-14 16:45:10

...this is a great example of how folks need to be careful in the era of Web 2.0. The WSJ had a great piece a few months back about how a seemingly innocent MySpace page when you are in your late teens and early twenties can come back to haunt you later in life. It isn't uncommon for employers to Google the names of job applicants. Would you stand on your rooftop and shout to strangers passing-by your drunken escapades the night prior? Probably not, so why would you post this same info on the Internet for anyone to read? Even if one attempts to remove this material, there are plenty of web archival services that constantly crawl the Internet in realtime, taking snapshots of and caching web pages and websites for later retrieval.

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Mark R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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The Crapital and KW - 2008-08-14 15:49:51

It's pretty juvenile for the Capital to print this article. Although her myspace was accessible to anyone, a respectable newspaper would never write and print an article that is basic gossip. Why not have better sources once truths are determined...they really should have kept to quotes from police and other authority figures serving around this accident's investigation. If the website is used in the investigation and helps the state proceed to press charges, THEN explain that there were illegal activities shown on her myspace. I've seen the Capital use myspace as a source before and have cringed, but this just takes it to a whole new level.

Also KW you have some pretty wild statements for no concrete proof or valid reasoning. You know 100% that she was drinking? Are you an investigator of this accident? Maybe it'll turn out to be that she was drinking, but you have made yourself appear to be very ignorant and I feel embarrassed for you.

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m m - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Bad

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KW - 2008-08-14 15:00:40

I have pictures of myself at partying with a drink in my hand ...... does that make me an alcoholic? No! Far from it, I drink on a very rare occasion, and I have NEVER drank and got behind the wheele of my car! I thought this was America?

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Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

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KW Rockville - 2008-08-14 14:42:31

My hope for you, that you never make any horrible mistakes and then have a major area newspaper post assumptions and make character assassinations without so much as gaining an interview. I have never said she is innocent, WE DON'T KNOW YET! That is the point! Freedom of the press? Free, no, bought and sold years ago by big business!

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Kelly Botoulas - Millington, MD - Karma: Bad

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Comment to Accident - 2008-08-14 14:27:45

Accident...she was drinking, no ifs, ands or buts about it. I am done with you people on this site. RIDICULOUS! Cant wait till the tox results prove all of you wrong.

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K W - rockville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Jury still out - 2008-08-14 14:24:03

In this great country of ours, we are innocent before proven guilty. Let the state do its job before weighing in. If digital cameras and MySpace were around when you were 19, I am sure there would be a lot of things on there that you are not proud of or accurately reflect who you are. When will these kids learn?

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B. G - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Accident - 2008-08-14 14:18:45

I am not defending this young lady, I just simply said that posting her myspace link for all to see is wrong. Yes she did cause an accident that cost someone else their life, and I hope she is held accountable for that, however I stand by the fact that the printing of the link is in bad taste! This is something that she will carry with her for the rest of her life ....... and may I point out they have not yet released her blood alcohol level, we do not know if she was drinking or not.

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Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Ridiculous - 2008-08-14 14:06:19

Anyone who is defending this 19 year-old alcoholic is insane! OF COURSE she caused the crash, and it is not called "falling asleep" she passed out at the wheel. Who lets a 19 year-old drive home at 4am from a wedding, in which I bet 100% she was drinking. The poor man driving the truck lost his life, due to the negligence of an idiot girl. You should be ASHAMED of yourselves for defending her. There is proof...I cannot believe you do not see it!

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K W - rockville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Bridge Accident - 2008-08-14 13:54:29

I agree that it is poor taste and shoddy journalism for The Capital to suggest that Ms. Baldwin was drinking before the accident as well as speeding without any evidence. Pictures of a college student drinking at parties are hardly grounds to accuse someone of driving while intoxicated. This young woman will carry the baggage of this accident with her for the rest of her life. Why make it harder for her with innuendo and potentially false accusations?

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Chris K. - Stevensville, MD - Karma: Bad

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Poor Taste - 2008-08-14 12:57:23

I think it is in poor taste to put the link to this girl's myspace in the article. She is going to have to deal with the the effects of this accident everyday for the rest of her life ...... she does not need upset citizins harassing her.

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Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Accident - 2008-08-14 11:34:45

I find it very sensationalistic and shoddy journalism for the Captial to print hearsay, the postings of a 19 year old GIRL on a website- not an adult, and assumptions. There has been no evidence posted at this time as to what caused such a horrible accident. Is it a coincidence that Ms. Baldwin refused an interview and you wrote such a scathing and questionable article? What were you trying to upstage the Washington Post? Your only response is that she voided her right to privacy when she posted to My Space? Are you kidding me? She didn't void her right to a fair trial, and not to be tried int he court of public opinion and certainly not by your paper, which has lost all credibility with me. Poor judgment on her part to post such foolishness, kids do stupid things trying to be "cool". For a so called newspaper to print such garbage without having all the facts, even worse judgment. SHAME ON YOU!

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Kelly Botoulas - Millington, MD - Karma: Bad

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Random Acts Of Negligence - 2008-08-13 19:57:51

Just like the man from last year.. now this... it is not the fault of the Bridge. It is the "Ramdom Acts Of Negligence" that has caused the accident last year and now this. These people choose to drive either with a defective trailer and in this case tired or maybe had a little to drink. It is not the design of the bridge...

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Ron Melancon - Glen Allen, VA - Karma: Bad

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Tragic Accident - 2008-08-13 17:18:56

I think that's it is absolutely ridiculous to pick apart Ms. Baldwin over what was said on her Myspace page and to actually put the link up for everyone to see is a low blow and is an invasion of privacy if you ask me. Don?t get me wrong I am not defending what she did and I do not agree that it is right to drink and drive especially underage, if in fact that is what happened. I am simply saying that this is a tragic accident and we should not judge someone until we get all the facts straight. Just because you see a few pictures of someone drinking on Myspace doesn?t mean they are alcoholics.

I feel terrible for all families involved and my thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Short.

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C. R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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The Accident - 2008-08-13 17:07:36

When you have a moment please go To www.dangeroustrailers.org my web site tracks accidents that are caused by loose trailers. It happend last year and I highlight it on my web site. While this accident here is not of the same nature it once again showes that people are not held accountable for their actions. Last years accident occured and the person that caused the accident of killing 3 people and injured 5 got no time and nothing. What will happen to his person? This paper and other media outlets keep blaming the bridge... I have news for you... it's not the bridge.. its people who cause

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Ron Melancon - Glen Allen, VA - Karma: Bad