Use Facebook-authenticated comments. Requiring people to use their real names usually alleviates this kind of problem.
I just read a story yesterday about a pilot who chopped his head off trying to hand-prop his plane. There were many terrible comments, one from a man laughing at his predicament and nominating the pilot for the Darwin Award and such, and mocking family and friends who were commenting to pay their respects.
The commenter's first, middle, and last name appeared right next to a picture of himself with his kids.
It also cut the average comments for an article in half or more.
I’m not sure why everyone is obsessed with somehow finding a way to enable comments. Many websites are much better without them.
Take a look at WSJ comments. Lots of real names, tons of flames.