Most summer Facebook statuses consist of individuals bragging about their time at the beach or pool, soakin up the sun and lovin life. Facebook statuses are a great way to keep friends and family updated on what you're up to and what you're thinking about. They are harmless, fun quips about daily life. What happens, though, when one's daily life includes criminal behavior? Does Facebook then become a way to assist in crime? You tell us.
Last summer, one man took a woman hostage in a local motel. He then proceeded to keep his Facebook friends updated on the standoff between himself and local SWAT members through his Facebook account. Friends and family responded with over 100 posts to encourage him and offer bits of advice as he held the woman at gunpoint. The man was even able to gain a few new friends from the experience. Some of whom offered him great information of how the SWAT team was handling the situation. How should the legal system handle this situation? Is the man with the gun the only one at fault in this situation or are those who offer him assistance through his Facebook page also to blame? See the whole article at the link below and talk to us!
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This is a great question! I think this is something that the Law will eventually have to try and enforce or control. I feel like the gun man should be held accountable and possibly also those who were "helping" the gun man by communicating to him what the SWAT people were doing to get inside to rescue the woman.
ReplyDeleteI think the people on Facebook are for sure at fault with the man. If you were to physically help someone in this situation you can get in serious trouble, I don't see why helping him over the internet is any different.
ReplyDeleteIf someone is helping a criminal I don't see how they aren't an accessory to whatever he was doing. Facebook or cellphones, either way they were helping him commit a crime. I think some sort of legal action should be taken against them.
ReplyDeleteThe facebook followers that offered specific advice for that situation are accomplices to the crime. It's very similar to a look out man at a bank robbery. The problem is determining what posts directly influenced the crime and whether or not the advice is material enough for law enforcement to pursue due to resource cost.
ReplyDeleteKai,
ReplyDeleteGreat post about an interesting question. Just what I'm looking for on this project. Keep up the good work!!