Letter to the Editor: Find Sherwon Wanzo’s Killer

Editor's Note: This letter to the editor was submitted by Felix Catheline, 's former coach and teacher at Columbus South High School.

My name is Felix Catheline and I am the head wrestling coach and 12th grade government teacher at Columbus South High School. Sherwon spent his Junior year living in Columbus, and it was my privilege to coach him in wrestling.

Sherwon had never taken a very active role in high school athletics before he came to us at South, which made his athletic career all the more impressive. In his only season, he won a league championship at 152lbs., and showed great promise for the future.

I was heartbroken when Sherwon had to return to Cleveland for his senior year. I kept in touch with him during the year, as did many of his teammates. I was excited when he told me of his consideration into the military, as well as continuing his wrestling career in some amateur fashion when he enlisted. 

I am writing you as a plea to not let this story be removed from your headlines until his killer is found.

As a government teacher, I spend a great deal of time teaching my students the influence of mass media on politics, and our society. With that, my students also see that in the day of 24hr. news stations that at times the media can become more of a poison than a positive.

Sensationalism, propaganda, and profiteering are things that I hope most of you can agree with me on unfortunately drive our local, and national news coverage.

What makes this case different than the Treyvon Martin case? Why isn't CNN and FoxNews on Bosworth Avenue taking statements from outraged citizens, searching for statements from witnesses, and having their "experts" analyze any evidence?

Simply put, because this case doesn't have the sizzle to sell copy.

I am not accusing you, or any of your stations with having these motives. However, what I am asking you to do is set an example of how journalism can be a tool of justice. If this story continues to get air time, and doesn't just simply become a "flavor of the week", his killer will be found.

His killer will either come forward due to the guilt of having to see it every night when he turns on the news, and every day when he opens up the paper; or his killer will become so arrogant from the headlines and attention that they will not be able to keep their mouth shut and eventually a tip will be given to the police. 

I am 33 years old, and have no children.

However, through my coaching career, I have been blessed to have had many "adopted sons" along the way.

Sherwon is one of my sons.

With his mother family, and friends I grieve, and I implore you to be the tool that brings to this tragedy some sense of justice.