The statement is very carefully worded and while they say the craigslist post is false and not rooted in any investigative facts, like the response to me above, it does not categorically clear anyone as a suspect and it cannot because the investigation is still ongoing.
Statement:
Arcata Police Department continues an active investigation into the murder of David Josiah Lawson. Recently posts accusing Lawson’s friend, Elijah Chandler, of being a suspect under investigation have surfaced.
These posts are false and are not rooted in any investigation facts. The Arcata Police Department has identified the source of the initial posts. The individual had no personal knowledge of the incident or the investigation.
The APD encourages additional individuals who attended the party where Lawson was stabbed at any time on the night of Friday, April 14 or the morning of April 15 to reach out to the Police Department, provide a recollection of any party details and answer related questions.
The Police Department also reminds the public that misleading social media posts not only cause real damage to individuals in the community but also take vital resources away from other important investigations.
Related post:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/08/you-decide-how-credible-this-claim-by.html?m=1
From August 17 post above:
I asked APD these if the above claim was accurate and if APD would be releasing a statement. I also asked these two questions:
1. If it is, will it be sent out via press release?
2. Will it include any other updates on the David Lawson homicide investigaton?
APD Chief Tom Chapman responded:
"Hi John, no we are not planning on releasing a press release."
Arcata PD identified the source of the postings and did all of the discovery/due diligence?
ReplyDeleteWell, being accused of murdering your friend is as libelous as it gets. Which attorney will take the case on contingency?