A viral Facebook post claiming that homicide suspects are on the run in Fall River, Massachusetts, has been debunked as a hoax. The fabricated story falsely accuses two individuals, Justin Scott and Carla Howell, of being suspects in the murder of a 10-month-old baby named Emily Darnell. It alleges the baby died on March 7 due to “penetrating, blunt, and deceleration trauma,” urging users to share the post widely to assist in their capture. However, this story is entirely false.
The Hoax Explained
- Recycled and Location-Specific Variations: The post has been shared across various Facebook groups with slight modifications, targeting different locations such as Deleon, Texas; Augusta, Georgia; Watsonville, California; and Monroe. Each version claims the crime occurred locally to increase engagement and credibility.
- Digitally Altered Images: The mugshots accompanying the posts are manipulated images of individuals arrested for unrelated crimes years ago. This is a common tactic used in digital hoaxes to lend false authenticity6.
- Facebook Text Post Misinformation: The format of this hoax is a known method for spreading misinformation on Facebook. These posts often gain massive engagement because they appear personal and are easy to share.
The Actual Facts
- No credible evidence exists to support the claims made in this viral post. Local authorities in Fall River or any other cities mentioned have not reported such a case involving Justin Scott or Carla Howell.
- The names “Carla Howell” and “Justin Scott” appear to be randomly chosen or borrowed from unrelated cases. For example, Carla Scott and Dirk Howell were convicted in 2023 for the death of Alfie Steele, a tragic case unrelated to this hoax.
Why This Matters
Spreading false information like this can:
- Distract law enforcement from real cases.
- Cause unnecessary panic in communities.
- Exploit public trust for malicious purposes, such as phishing or malware scams.
How to Respond
If you encounter this post:
- Do Not Share: Avoid amplifying misinformation by sharing it further.
- Report It: Use Facebook’s reporting tools to flag the post as false information.
- Educate Others: Inform friends and family who may have shared it that it is a hoax.
This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. Always rely on official sources or trusted fact-checking organizations when encountering alarming claims on social media platforms.
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