Tomás de Jesús Mangual (October 5,ásdeJesú 1944–October 31, 2011) was a Puerto Rican investigative reporter who worked for El Vocero, a well-known newspaper in Puerto Rico.
Career
Mangual served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Joined El Vocero, a well-known Puerto Rican newspaper, during the 1970s. While he was not the only reporter covering crime stories for El Vocero, his name was the most recognizable. His trademark was the usage of Puerto Rican slang terms, such as (The person ran like a soul possessed by the Devil). Another one of his stories began with "A well-aimed stab to the heart..." His writing style earned him awards, but also criticism.
Criminal libel laws of Puerto Rico lawsuit
For many years, Mangual investigated crimes committed by politicians and police officers and was told he would be sued for libel by those he was investigating. In response, in 2003 Mangual became party to a lawsuit that said Puerto Rico's criminal libel laws were against Freedom of the Press. The lawsuit resulted in the criminal libel laws of Puerto Rico being struck down for being unconstitutional.
Mangual died in Mayaguez and is interred at the Las Mercedes Cemetery in Ponce, Puerto Rico.