Officials warn against online misinformation around Emmanuel Haro case
Athena Jreij
CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) — As investigators piece together what happened to Emmanuel Haro, News Channel 3 has seen a trend of misinformation spreading online.
Most recently, during a search operation in Moreno Valley, social media users spread information that the baby’s body had been found. While a search was conducted in the hills of Moreno Valley, no body was found and that information was never relayed by the department in charge, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s.
Studies into social media misinformation surrounding ‘true crime,’ have found it can have a negative impact on public opinion, juror selection, wrongful accusations and evidence gathering.
It’s something Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed head on in a press conference Wednesday.
“Misinformation, lies and purposeful misdirection is going to do nothing but harm this investigation,” he said.
Officials have warned false narratives that spread online can divert resources away from the investigation.
Lt. Gustavo Araiza with Palm Springs Police said, “A lot of times it could distract from the actual investigation that’s going on. The reality is there’s this influx of calls that are coming into our dispatch center. So now we’re taking time away from critical incidents because the phones are ringing off the hook. Generally, we will put up a hotline or a number to call if we’re asking for the public’s help,” Araiza said.
While officials say the public keeping an eye on a case can help with support, some bad actors online will spread unconfirmed information for clicks. That misinformation can have long term affects on cases when they head to trial.
“The jury pool is kind of limited for that specific area because people are well aware that might have heard some of the theories that were put out there, even though some of those theories might not be fact or weren’t actual evidence.”
News Channel 3 also spoke with Matt Johnson, a Crime and Justice Correspondent at Court TV, who said the buzz around this case has been unique.
“There are just so many people online searching for answers and following the case. There are people outside of the DA’s office looking for answers. They’re taking their time out of their busy days. They’re not going to work on certain days searching,” Johnson said.
Now, authorities are asking the public for patience as they maintain the integrity of the investigation.