Status Report

KTRK investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino's status with Channel 13 was in question at press time after a story he prepared as part of an investigative series on the City Parks and Recreation Department was spiked last Friday by management. The report, according to a Channel 13 employee, dealt with Houston Rockets television commentator Calvin Murphy's work relationship both with the team and the city. Ironically, the city launched its own investigation into Murphy this week.

A witness says a visibly angry Dolcefino hauled personal mementos and trophies out of his station office, including the Emmy awards he had dubbed "Emmy Lou and Emmy Sue," packed them in his car and departed late Friday afternoon.

Dolcefino could not be reached for comment. His longtime friend, lawyer and fellow player in the band Miss Frances and the Rhythm Fish, state Representative Ron Wilson, said Dolcefino had neither been fired nor had quit his position with the Disney-owned KTRK. Channel 13 General Manager Henry Florsheim did not return a Press query on Dolcefino's status.

Dolcefino's investigative reports on former mayoral candidate Sylvester Turner in 1991 resulted in a $5.5 million libel judgment by a Harris County jury two years ago against both the reporter and KTRK. The station is appealing the verdict.

-- Tim Fleck