In our Behind the Scenes series, CNN correspondents, producers and photojournalists share their experiences in covering news and analyze the stories behind the events. CNN's Cliff Hackel talks about his experiences while on location for the documentary "Latino in America." Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, resident Jaelynn Mackalonis wants people to know that her town is not racist. SHENANDOAH, Pennsylvania (CNN)  -- Jaelynn Mackalonis was angry. The upcoming trial in the killing of Luis Ramirez had rocked the town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and Mackalonis urgently wanted to speak out. She hung out on the street, overhearing CNN's interview of her neighbor Lou Ann Pleva. As Pleva recounted the various opinions around town about the street fight that killed Ramirez, Mackalonis' blood began to boil. She whistled and waved her arms to get our attention. Finally, she exploded.
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Shenandoah, Pennsylvania was once called "Little New York" for its cultural diversity
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Beating death of Luis Ramirez, a Mexican immigrant, rocked town in 2008
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Emotions ran high before trial of four white teens charged in case
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"This wasn't a racial crime," resident Jaelynn Mackalonis said
Shenandoah
SHENANDOAH
Shenandoah
Shenandoah
But, the emotion of that moment typified the anxiety that gripped @placeholder, a down-and-out former coal town in central Pennsylvania.
Shenandoah
SHENANDOAH
Shenandoah
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The crime cast an unwelcome spotlight on @placeholder, according to Mackalonis.
Jaelynn Mackalonis
Jaelynn Mackalonis
Mackalonis
Mackalonis
Jaelynn Mackalonis
The crime cast an unwelcome spotlight on Shenandoah, according to @placeholder.
Little New York
There were so many diverse immigrant groups that the town was dubbed "@placeholder."
Mexican
Luis Ramirez was one of those illegal immigrants from @placeholder.
Latino
But one resident said many people in Shenandoah think every @placeholder needs a green card.
Lou Ann Pleva
Pleva
And yet she has all of this animosity toward me," @placeholder said after the confrontation.