Frisco Police Combat Misinformation Surge Following Fatal Track Meet Stabbing
FRISCO, Texas – The Frisco Police Department is grappling with a wave of misinformation circulating online following the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a UIL District 11-5A track meet earlier this week. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and rely solely on verified sources for accurate information, as fabricated statements and falsified documents related to the incident have proliferated across social media platforms. The suspect, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, has been charged with murder, and the case has garnered national attention.
The pervasive spread of misinformation has prompted Frisco Police Chief David Shilson to issue multiple statements emphasizing the importance of obtaining information from official channels. He personally addressed the creation of a fictitious social media account using his name to disseminate false information. Chief Shilson confirmed that the department is actively investigating the creation of the fraudulent account, highlighting the gravity of the offense as a third-degree felony. He underscored the department’s commitment to holding those responsible for spreading misinformation accountable.
Adding to the challenge, a purported report from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office has been circulating online. Frisco Police definitively stated that this report is fraudulent, cautioning the public against accepting its contents as factual. The official release of the medical examiner’s report is still pending. This incident further underscores the critical need for vigilance in discerning credible sources amidst the deluge of information online.
The Frisco Police Department reiterated its plea to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information and to consult only official releases from verified accounts. The rapid dissemination of inaccurate details can not only obstruct the ongoing investigation but can also inflict further pain and distress on the victim’s family and the community. Authorities are working diligently to counter the spread of misinformation and ensure that accurate information is readily available.
Chief Shilson expressed confidence in the Frisco community’s capacity to respond to this tragedy with compassion and empathy, urging residents to demonstrate mutual respect. He acknowledged the Metcalf family’s reliance on faith to navigate this difficult time and encouraged the community to follow their example. The police department remains committed to providing accurate and timely updates to the public as the investigation progresses.
In the face of this tragedy and the accompanying wave of misinformation, the Frisco community is urged to unite in supporting the victim’s family and respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation. By relying on verified sources and refraining from sharing unconfirmed information, residents can contribute to a more informed and compassionate environment during this difficult period. The Frisco Police Department remains dedicated to upholding transparency and accuracy in its communication with the public. The investigation into the stabbing remains active, and further details will be released through official channels as they become available.