Webb's work reportedly greatly upset both the CIA and bigger mainstream media (link). These establishment forces largely managed to crush both the story and the reporter, as described in the book (now also a film) Kill the Messenger.
Did Gary Webb himself contrive to bring further suspicion on his (now largely admitted) persecutors? Is he a vengeful ghost? Webb was found dead in December 2004. His death was ruled a suicide, and the bullets that killed him were fired from a .38 caliber pistol recovered near his body. Cause of death unusual for suicide: two shots to the head.
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| A French website (link) published this photo as "webb.jpg" |
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| Was Webb suicided? The French ask, American big media don't... |
Does Webb's drastic downfall discourage investigative reporters?