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Moscow police are warning internet sleuths spreading their own theories online over the murder of four University of Idaho students in November that they could be charged with harassment.
As the case remains unsolved almost four weeks after the stabbing of the four college students, speculation and rumors about what happened has surged in the Moscow community and online.
On Reddit, threads about the Moscow murders have amassed more than 40,000 members, discussing possible leads on the investigation and theories about what happened to victims Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen on Sunday, November 13.
Internet sleuths have focused their attention on different people involved in the investigation, even though those have not been named as suspects by police—including a neighbor of the four students who made several media appearances after being interrogated by officers.
Moscow police have expressed their frustration over the spread of misinformation and rumors on the case, which repeatedly reminded that update from the department were the only factual and accurate information about the state of the investigation. Family and friends of the victims have also complained about the explosions of theories and speculation on the case, saying that it was harming the investigation.
"All the noise out there is really harming the families," a friend of Kristi and Steve Goncalves, Kaylee's parents, told British online newspaper The Independent. "And it's taking the police down trails that are not real and taking them away from the ones that are."
Now, Moscow police is reminding internet sleuths that their behavior could be liable to criminal charges.
"Investigators have been monitoring online activity related to this ongoing and active case and are aware of the large amount of rumors and misinformation being shared, as well as harassing and threatening behavior toward potentially involved parties," an update by Moscow police released on Friday reads.
"Anyone engaging in threats or harassment whether in person, online or otherwise needs to understand that they could be subjecting themselves to criminal charges."
The police also cautioned the public "not to rely on rumors" and follow the department's update for accurate information on the case.
What's Happening With the Investigation?
After weeks during which the investigation seemed to struggle to find a direction, Moscow police are now looking to speak with the occupants of 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle, with an unknown license plate, was reportedly in the immediate area of the King Street residence during the early-morning hours of November 13, when the four students were fatally stabbed.
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The crucial information was part of thousands of tips and leads the police received from members of the public on the case's Tip Line, which is now directed to an FBI call center.
Moscow police asked any member of the public holding information about the vehicle to share what they know and be patient with the lengthier process for the now-national FBI tip line, which requires callers to go through a series of prompts.
"This is a national FBI tip line, and it is important to get all the way through the prompts to reach the right agent to report information. Remember, your tip may be the key to solving this case," Moscow police wrote on Friday.
About the writer
Giulia Carbonaro is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on the U.S. economy, housing market, property ... Read more