So why the word allegedly?
It’s required as per Journalism 101. The shooting also occurred in a “close-knit community”
I was a journalist for 20-something years. “Allegedly” is used only where the facts are not clear and is not a defense for slander or libel. It seems pretty clear here that the police killed this man. This is simply bad writing.
The word “allegedly” is used to protect an individual accused of a crime, keeping him from being prejudged by the potential jury pool and to protect the media from lawsuits from those individuals claiming innocence.
In this case, there are two undisputed facts. This victim WAS shot. And the police have admitted shooting him.
Thus, there is no need to use the word “allegedly.” Everyone agrees, even the police, that the victim was shot and killed.
You know the guy is likely innocent by the fact that Journo 101 excuses “getting his life back together,” “had recently returned to school” and “new father” haven’t been mentioned in the news articles.