08/31/2026
Put the victims first!!!!!!
The Missing Voices in “The Training Yard”
I recently read 5280’s article about Colorado’s Prison-Trained K9 Program, which prominently features Robert Ray—the man convicted of orchestrating the premeditated murders of my son, Javad Marshall-Fields, and his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe.
I believe every person, including those who are incarcerated, should be treated with dignity. I also recognize the value of rehabilitation. Still, this article was deeply painful to read.
The story devotes significant attention to Mr. Ray’s transformation and newfound sense of purpose. Meanwhile, Javad and Vivian—and the families whose lives were shattered by their murders—receive only a brief mention.
When journalism humanizes the person responsible for devastating violence without giving meaningful space to the victims and their families, it tells an incomplete story. Rehabilitation may be part of the narrative, but accountability, loss, and the lifelong impact of gun violence must be part of it, too.
I hope 5280 will consider publishing a companion piece that centers Javad, Vivian, and the voices of victims’ families. Their lives, their promise, and their stories deserve far more than a sentence.
Before you tell his story, remember theirs.
Read the article: https://5280.com/colorado-prison-trained-k9-program/
