Many readers come to The Marshall Project in search of answers to common questions about crime trends and crime data.
We’re happy to announce that Jill Castellano is joining The Marshall Project as a data reporter to help answer those questions. Castellano will report on crime statistics, policing, the perception of crime and the broader criminal justice system by producing data-driven stories, developing data visualizations that enhance narrative and explanatory journalism, and providing critical analysis of complex topics in accessible ways.
Castellano comes to us as a reporter with a long history of impact and deep knowledge of the criminal justice system. In 2017, she was a data reporter for USA Today’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At San Diego’s inewsource, she was recognized in her community as the top local investigative reporter by the San Diego Press Club three years running.
Her work in San Diego led to major impact, including accountability for a once-renowned rehabilitation program that had grown dangerous for people with addiction. She has also covered the long-term effects of carceral reform, investigated the Veterans Administration, and looked into hate crime and extremism. Prior to journalism, Castellano studied criminology and worked in a crime research lab.
“I hope to provide data-driven, accurate information that counters the frequently false and misleading narratives circulating about crime and violence in the U.S.,” said Castellano. “I hope this will expose how bad information — whether it be from interest groups, police, attorneys, forensic experts, government officials or others — bolsters the carceral system in destructive and unjust ways.”
Data Editor David Eads said he’s excited to continue The Marshall Project’s tradition of hard-nosed reporting on crime data. “Data is used and abused in practically every aspect of the criminal justice system. We see an audience that’s hungry for the rigor, skepticism, and clarity that Jill brings to the topic.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jill to The Marshall Project,” said acting Editor-in-Chief Geraldine Sealey. “It’s more important than ever to help people understand the criminal justice system through facts and evidence, and Jill has a stellar track record of doing just that.”
