Quite Simply, It Doesn't Add Up

Firstly, while it may be self-evident, I will go on the record as saying that I wish for nothing but the best possible outcome for Mariam Makhniashvili and her family.

Why is the story of the search for this young lady finding its way into this blog? I have an even better question for you: Why did this story make national news headlines in both print and electronic media?

Let's consider how this story broke:

• 17-year-old girl does not come home
• police do not suspect foul play

Imagine the moment this hits the assignment editor's desk. Do you imagine that she said: "Well, that sounds like quite the story. No teenager has ever left home without her parents' permission. Let's give this national exposure."

Yet, that's what happened. And it wasn't just one news agency that picked this up. A quick Google search will give you some idea as to how this story's been run (extensively).

Ask police in Winnipeg or Vancouver if they are aware of any teenagers in their city that didn't come home to their parents; if any ran away. More than one? More than 100? Then ask how many of these files got so much as expanded local or regional news coverage, never mind national.

My skeptical mind has me asking:

• What's really going on here?
• Why are national desk editors so eager to run with this story and allow it to be as prominent as it has been for nearly two weeks?
• Is it really true that at the outset police did not (and still do not) suspect foul play?
• Is it possible that police and media have a theory, developed independently or collaboratively, that requires them to state and report on this case in a manner that is incongruous with their actions?
• Are police employing a strategy of deliberate misinformation, through and with media, in order to achieve a positive outcome...the safe return of Mariam to her family home?

If it is later shown that the Toronto Police Service has deliberately misinformed, even with the most pure of intentions for the benefit of one, what impact will this have on their credibility and ability to communicate effectively with citizens, partner agencies, the judiciary and government in order to achieve their long-term mandate to provide a safe city for millions?

Quite simply, it doesn't add up.