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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Mon Oct 6, 2014, 01:28 PM Oct 2014

Alleged online troll found dead

LONDON (AP) — A woman who was accused of sending Internet abuse to the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann has been found dead in a hotel room. Her death has revived debate about media responsibility and how best to respond to online "trolls."

Television channel Sky News identified 63-year-old Brenda Leyland as a Twitter user who had attacked Kate and Gerry McCann under the name "sweepyface."

Last week, a Sky News reporter confronted Leyland — who lived in the same county as the McCanns — on camera about the alleged abuse. She replied that she was entitled to send the tweets.

Police confirmed that Leyland's body was found in a hotel room near Leicester in central England on Saturday.

"Ms. Leyland's death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner," police said. "Officers acting on behalf of the coroner will look into the circumstances surrounding and prior to her unexpected death."

more

http://www.sfgate.com/business/technology/article/Missing-Madeleine-alleged-online-troll-found-dead-5803363.php

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calimary

(90,775 posts)
3. Why not notify those nice folks at that lovely compassionate Westboro Baptist Church?
Mon Oct 6, 2014, 01:41 PM
Oct 2014

I'm sure they'd fill up the pews. They seem to like vermin such as this.

FSogol

(47,665 posts)
4. A cautious tale? An unpleasant internet troll dies alone and no one cares.
Mon Oct 6, 2014, 01:47 PM
Oct 2014

Last edited Mon Oct 6, 2014, 02:39 PM - Edit history (1)

mainer

(12,579 posts)
6. Shine a light on a troll, and poof! They disintegrate
Mon Oct 6, 2014, 02:04 PM
Oct 2014

I wish there was a way to unmask more of them.

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