Interesting Wheeler backgound.
I did a Lexus-Nexus search and came across several interesting articles regarding the days of raising funds for the Viet Nam Memorial. I cannot post the articles because of copyright, but I have them and will freepmail them if anyone wants them.
The Viet Nam Memorial was not controversy free. In 1983 [Pulitzer and Peabody winner] Carlton Sherwood of WDVM, Cannel 9 now WUSA) did an expose entitlted “Vietnam Memorial: A Broken Promise?” accusing financial irregularities in the Viet Nam Memorial Fund targeting Wheeler and Jan Scruggs. An investigation turned up nothing to substantiate the claims and the station issued a formal apology.
Said Sherwood:
“...’’It ruined me professionally,’’..... He said his reports on the memorial’s financing were fair and accurate, but the television station for which he did the inquiry would not defend it after a Federal investigation did not back up the reporter. ...”
(source: The New York Times, July 17, 1984
REPORTER’S PROJECT RUINS HIS CAREER; JONATHAN FRIENDLY
Pg A-10, Col4)
Besides those allegations it has been reported he could also be demanding and abrasive when seeking donations (Type A — ya think?). I think of that when I read his lastest passion was getting ROTC back on campuses. I bet he told many of those anti-Military, anti-ROTC types exactly what was on his mind.
I suppose it's in the realm of possibility that a disgruntled academic could be behind his murder; it's just not striking me as highly likely right now. But no theory should be dismissed until more actual evidence is revealed.