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Journey through 'Valley' reaches an end

Outside of cops and paramedics, I know of few people who have spent as much time over the past few years knee-deep in the crime- and poverty-ravaged sections of this city as Jeff Deeney.

Outside of cops and paramedics, I know of few people who have spent as much time over the past few years knee-deep in the crime- and poverty-ravaged sections of this city as Jeff Deeney.

Longtime Philly Confidential readers are used to me occasionally linking to Deeney's work over at Phawker.com. Starting in 2007 with his "Today I Saw" columns, which detailed the horrific situations he encountered as a social worker, Deeney had a knack for painting a compelling and honest portrait of what life is really like in neighborhoods some people are afraid to drive through.

Last year, he launched a new series, "Valley of the Shadow." This time out, Deeney and a photog visited the city's many teddy bear memorials. Using MySpace, court records, newspaper stories and his own knowledge of the city, he told the real stories behind the young men whose lives ended because of street violence.  The series was outstanding.

But a few days ago, Deeney announced that he was pulling the plug on "Valley." He learned -- just as I have -- that when you really start to break down the lunacy of the code some of our young people live and die by, it ticks people off. Their friends get pissed. Their families get pissed. Next thing you know, threats start pouring in, and you contemplate losing your life over a few paragraphs.

To find out what he went through -- and to read some of his terrific work -- click here. Meanwhile, folks, stay safe.