DA candidate’s campaign Facebook page had a convicted killer as a ‘friend’ – Douglas County Sentinel: Local News

In this electronic age, elections and campaigns for office have turned to social media for inexpensive exposure and as a platform to get their message out.

But the exposure can produce less than desirable results.

In a check of the Facebook pages of Douglas County District Attorney DeKalb County prosecutor Democrat Elizabeth Dalia Racine and Republican Chief Douglas County Assistant District Attorney Brian Fortner, the Sentinel found the name of a convicted killer among those listed as Friends on Racine’s campaign page.

Before she was contacted and the name was removed — among the friends that have been welcomed to the page “Elect Elizabeth Dalia Racine” was “Tracen T’three Franklin” — the young man serving life in prison after being convicted of murder for his part in a brutal beating that killed Bobby Tillman outside a house party on Nov. 7, 2010.

A search of Franklin’s Facebook page shows posts dedicated to raising awareness to get a new trial in his case, despite evidence and a taped confession that was played at his trial before his Sept. 12, 2012, conviction.

When Racine responded to inquiries Saturday evening — she was apologetic and immediately removed Franklin as a friend. “I have removed that and I apologize for any concern,” Racine said. “It was a case where I was unaware if just who it was and did not properly screen all those who had sent friend requests.

“I can assure you that it will not happen again.”

Racine said she manages the site with some help from others, but said she will make sure that the issue was addressed.

Bobby Tillman’s mother Monique Rivarde called the friend selection “disheartening.”

via DA candidate’s campaign Facebook page had a convicted killer as a ‘friend’ – Douglas County Sentinel: Local News.