Update: Teen And Another Juvenile Charged In School Shooting Rumor Case
Lexington Police said they believe the initial claims were rumors, but the investigation continued after the claims were perpetuated online and that led to two people being charged in the case.
Police said a juvenile, whose name wasn’t released because of their age, was charged with terroristic threatening.
Investigators said after the initial shooting rumors surfaced, the juvenile set up a fake social media account to cause panic and fear of school violence.
Police said Bethany Marie Dowell, 18, of Lexington, was also charged with Terroristic Threatening 2nd Degree.
Investigators said Dowell was charged because of comments found on her social networking account.
The Fayette County Public Schools posted the following on its Facebook page:
The student arrested used the name of another student to establish an elaborate social media hoax, including photos and threatening statements intended to scare the Tates Creek community.
Police believe there never was a threat, but the false statements and communications planted by the person arrested led to widespread rumors and concern.
We cannot release more details at this time, because we do not want to compromise this case.
But we did want to reach out to our entire community to reassure everyone that there is no threat.
We hope to see our students at school in the morning!
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