MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin's top law enforcement official is drawing criticism for encouraging the public not to answer reporters' questions about the north woods shooting by an off-duty sheriff's deputy that left seven dead, including the gunman.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen last week said law enforcers would not answer questions about the case in the city where it took place and he relayed a request that Crandon residents ignore reporters asking questions.

He then left the podium without taking questions.

It's now been more than a week since the shooting, and authorities have released little or no information on autopsy findings, certain 911 calls made during a manhunt and crime-scene evidence.

The crime is one of the state's biggest homicide cases, and in addition to being a deputy, the shooter was a part-time officer on the Crandon police force.

Editorials last week in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Wausau Daily Herald took Van Hollen to task for his statements.

The Journal Sentinel says news media should give survivors room to grieve in private, but reporters also have a job to do and should be able to carry out their role, including raising questions about important issues involved in the case.