ATLANTA — A social media post that has been shared thousands of times is doing nothing more than inciting false fear, according to police.
The post claims there is a serial killer loose on the streets of Atlanta attacking and mutilating women.
“I seen the social media post,” resident Tometrick Hemmingway told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln. “It’s very disturbing, shocking, devastating to hear about something like this happening in a park.”
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The post claims this alleged serial killer is responsible for the murder of Katie Janness and her dog Bowie at Piedmont Park last week.
It then goes on to say that the killing of 18-year-old Tori Lang is somehow connected. She was found shot to death last week at Yellow River Park in Gwinnett County.
The post also claims there was a third killing in Norcross, but police say that’s not true.
Park goers say the post is unnecessary and doing nothing more than scaring people.
“I don’t want to have to come to the park in fear that I’ll lose my life or I’ll get stabbed,” said Hemmingway.
Gwinnett County police say there is absolutely no connection between the murders of Janness and Lang.
Friends and family of Janness gathered Sunday night to remember her, and were joined some of Atlanta Police Department’s top officials. While they didn’t release any new details, they called for tips and patience in this case.
“If you have any information, we ask that you reach out to us and call Crimestoppers, let us know what you have. We will act on your behalf,” Deputy Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
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One by one, park goers continue adding to a growing memorial.
“I know that every single person gathered here wants to learn the truth about why we lost her and her beloved Bowie,” said a woman who spoke at the vigil.
Police are continuing to hand out flyers and search for clues to find out what happened to Janness while she was out walking her dog after dinner with her wife.
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Atlanta police say a ton of rumors are swirling around social media, which family members have called disheartening.
“She was a wonderful spirit, and I don’t want it be stained with things that you’re hearing now, I want you to focus on the joy and love of Katie,” a man who spoke at the vigil said.
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