MISSING: Beware word implications

I was shocked to read in Thursday’s paper that the behavior of the husband of missing woman Joan Gundlach was “odd.” That implies guilt before all the facts of the case were in. Just imagine how that word caused even more grief for Joan’s husband.

The Post Falls police may have believed his behavior was odd but they should have kept that to themselves until they completed their preliminary investigation. There is sort of a retraction in Friday’s paper and I’m glad for that. But to those of us who are deeply concerned for Joan and her husband we are sorry that the first news of Joan’s disappearance pointed the finger at her husband in his time of grief.

CONNIE ANDERSON

Coeur d’Alene

Editor’s note: After this letter was submitted, Joan’s body was recovered in the Spokane River. Authorities suspect suicide.