Last updated: October 16, 2026
Wicked Crime writes about real crimes, real victims and real people accused of wrongdoing. These are the standards every story must meet.
Accuracy and sourcing
Our stories are based on primary and verifiable sources: court records, charging documents, police reports and press releases, released footage, trial testimony, official statements and reporting by established news organisations. We do not invent quotes, dialogue or events. Where a detail comes from a single source or is disputed, we say so.
Presumption of innocence
Everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Until a person is convicted, we describe accusations as allegations and say so clearly. When a case ends in an acquittal or dismissal, we update our coverage.
Respect for victims and families
We focus on the facts of a case and the people at its centre, not on gore. We do not publish graphic images of victims, and we avoid unnecessary detail about injuries. Stories with distressing content carry a reader discretion note. We do not name victims of sexual offences without their consent, and we do not identify juvenile suspects unless they were charged as adults and identified in public court records.
Headlines and images
Headlines must be supported by the story beneath them. Images are used to inform readers and are credited where the source is known. Photos supplied by families, police or courts are labelled as such where possible.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we fix it promptly. Significant corrections are noted at the end of the story with the date of the change. To report an error, use our contact page and include the story link.
Removal and update requests
We review requests to update or remove stories, particularly from victims, family members and people whose charges were dismissed, sealed or expunged, or who were found not guilty. Each request is reviewed by an editor on its merits.
Independence
Wicked Crime is supported by advertising. Advertisers have no influence over what we cover or how we cover it. Sponsored content, if we ever publish it, will be clearly labelled.