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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Reporter Threatened With Jail For Silence

Compiled From Wire Services

A judge determined to control news leaks threatened to jail a reporter Friday for refusing to say who told her that state psychiatrists found Susan Smith sane and competent to stand trial for drowning her sons.

“I will have to decline to answer because I have a contract with the source not to reveal their identity,” said Twila Decker, 29, a reporter for The (Columbia) State.

Judge William Howard ordered her to jail, then relented so the newspaper could appeal.