Crime Story

Convicted Pickpocket Granny Arrested for the 37th Time

CNN Crime

By Mythili Rao

This case deals with an elderly woman who is prone to pick-pocketing.  What makes this article good is the shock value that comes from hearing about a 76-year-old woman getting arrested for stealing the wallet of an undercover police sergeant.  This arrest was the 37th, and she has been convicted 30 times.  She has used many aliases over the years, and the police have known about her since 1981.  She will be charged with grand larceny and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 17.

The lede is a good hard news lede because it answers "Who", "What", "When", and "Where."  All of the characteristics that would draw someone to read this article can be found in the lede.  The first graf talks more about where the event occurred and who was involved.  The narrative speaks about her history with the law and the names she used in the past.  The kicker tells about her upcoming trial.