When You Try to Be First
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The FBI along with the Atlanta Police Department are working to try and find out who killed Katie Janness and her dog in a local park.
Janness, a member of the LGBTQ comminity in Atlanta was stabbed to death along with her dog in a local park.
WSB Reporter Micheal Seiden posted about the crime scene:
While Seiden said that investigators gave him that information, the Atlanta Police Department released a statement that seemed to contradict his information (emphasis is ours):
"Like most of you, members of the Atlanta Police Department are deeply concerned with the recent murder of Katherine Janness. Those involved in the investigation are working tirelessly to find the person(s) responsible. For those of us not working the case, we are closely following the investigation, and waiting on updates. There have been many rumors and much speculation surrounding this case, both among members of the public as well as internally. Much of the information is inaccurate and some is completely false.
"For any one of us to spread unverified information, would be irresponsible, but apparently it has occurred. This evening, a local reporter tweeted false information he received from ‘reliable sources’ allegedly within the law enforcement community. This irresponsible ‘reporting’ is discouraging, especially when we and the community rely so heavily on media for accurate information.
"We made it clear we would not be able to confirm or deny all rumors they hear, but this particular reporter considered the information fair game, since it wasn’t directly denied.
"We simply will not be forced into a position where we must refute all rumors to keep them from being published. The reporter in question wanted a story and wanted to be first, so he aired it anyway.
"But this is not just a story to us. We are investigating a callous murder and we must be careful about what information we release, to protect the integrity of this investigation. Please rely on the information released through official channels and do not promote rumors and speculation on active investigations.
"We ask that you let us do our job and help us ensure this investigation is not compromised in any way. Our goal is to bring anyone involved in this shocking murder to justice.
"Lastly, we do want to thank the members of the media who chose not to publish these unverified rumors."
Checking Seiden’s Twitter, it appears that he has deleted the post with no correction or apology.
No word from the Cox station on the PD’s statement.
