It's the 'Lord' in front of the name that did it. It's the wealth, power and connections that word implies that makes the difference. "The Woman Lord Lucan Left Behind" will get you readers. "The Woman Who Escaped Lucans' Murderous Rampage" will get you visits from expensively-suited gentlemen who will point out that "My clients' son/brother/nephew/third cousin twice removed has never been found guilty in a court of law." Before demanding a full retraction and a substantial cheque.

The laws regarding libel and slander, along with the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' , enforce the passive voice in almost all cases. The exceptions are terrorism, the rare occasions when murder is committed publicly in front of witnesses, or when the killer forthrightly admits to the deed on the spot.

It's a case of laws made supposedly to protect the innocent being of more use to the guilty.