Charlotte-Mecklenburg police quashed rumors of a serial killer in the city on Tuesday after a video went viral online with claims that several recent deaths were linked.
The video, posted on TikTok, theorized on the recent deaths of several women in the Charlotte area.
Police, however, said the deaths were not linked.
The TikTok post illustrates the speed with which rumors can spread virally online. The video had over 480,000 views and 23,000 shares as of Tuesday.
“They’re finding bodies around the city,” the TikTok user claimed.
CMPD countered with a series of social media posts, which stated that some of the deaths referenced were linked to drug overdoses and no foul play was suspected.
This week, CMPD was made aware of social media posts spreading a rumor of a serial killer targeting women in Charlotte. The posts referenced death investigations, claiming them to be linked. These posts have inaccurate details and are spreading misinformation. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/o6Ssc4hn9U
— CMPD News (@CMPD) November 1, 2022
The CMPD is constantly analyzing all active investigations to see if there are any links. If there is an actual risk to the public, the CMPD always notifies the community with verified information. (3/3)
— CMPD News (@CMPD) November 1, 2022