Fact Check: 'Serial Killer Couple' Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizette Hoax SCAM Explained

A viral Facebook post warning about a supposed “serial killer couple,” Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizzete, allegedly killing three female police officers, has been debunked as a hoax. The post, which claims the couple is preying on elderly individuals and vandalizing property, has circulated widely, with the location of the alleged crime altered to target different communities. This misinformation is part of a broader trend of scams exploiting social media users’ emotions.

The Facts Behind the Hoax

No Evidence of the Alleged Crimes
There is no record of Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizzete being involved in any murders or serial killings. The claims that they killed three female police officers are entirely fabricated. Similar posts have been debunked by police departments across various cities, including San Antonio and Maricopa, confirming these stories as false.
Who Are Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizzete?
Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizzete are real individuals, but their actual arrests were unrelated to any violent crimes. They were arrested in Zachary, Louisiana, for molestation of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This case has no connection to the viral Facebook post claiming they are serial killers.
Common Features of the Scam
- The posts often include dramatic warnings urging users to “lock your doors” and “stay vigilant.”
- Locations are changed depending on where the post is shared, making it appear local and more believable.
- Comments are frequently disabled to prevent users from questioning the authenticity of the claims.
- These posts aim to go viral by playing on fear and urgency, later being edited into scams involving phishing links or advertisements.

How This Scam Works

This hoax is an example of “like-farming,” a tactic where scammers create emotionally charged posts to garner likes and shares. Once the post gains traction, they edit it to include phishing links or advertisements that can compromise personal information or promote fraudulent schemes. By exploiting users’ trust, scammers manipulate social media algorithms to spread their content widely.

Red Flags to Spot Misinformation

To avoid falling for such scams:

Check if trusted news outlets or law enforcement agencies have reported on the incident.
Be wary of posts with vague details, altered locations, or hashtags like “#Kankakee.”
Look out for disabled comments or suspiciously new profiles sharing these posts.
Verify information through official sources before sharing emotionally charged content.

Conclusion

The viral story about Jonathan Knight and Tara Bizzete being serial killers is entirely false. It is part of a recurring pattern of social media scams designed to exploit fear and drive engagement for ulterior motives, including similar posts about a homicidal babysitter and a missing police officer. Always verify claims before sharing them online to avoid spreading misinformation or falling victim to scams.