The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Metro columnist James Ragland, 50, has been re-assigned to general assignment duties covering Collin County pending the outcome of “a misdemeanor family violence assault charge him involving his wife.”
DMN editor Robert Mong says, “He will be reporting outside of Dallas County to avoid inevitable conflicts that might arise. James agrees with this decision.”
In the meantime, Ragland’s wife, Shannon Morley-Ragland, 42, has filed for divorce because of “discord or conflict of personalities.”
5 comments
May I suggest that you launch a blog devoted to DMN given the volume of coverage across your sites? Make it extra snarky like Sidedish and hire an editor with an axe to grind. Maybe Bethany?
What a sad thing for them. I will pray for the whole family at this difficult time.
Yeah, by all means pray for them – that’ll get them over this road hump.
I worked in the same newsroom with Ragland. I didn’t know him well, but he was one of the last individuals I would have suspected of violence, domestic or otherwise. Without knowing details, my first reaction is that it is particularly craven to send him to Siberia unconvicted.
I, too, worked alongside Ragland who was always very professional, helpful and pleasant. While no one knows what goes on behind closed doors I feel it is particularly low of the News to punish when no conviction has been yet reached. Having had my own experience with domestic violence I wish the best for all involved especially their children.