Can someone face legal trouble for claiming knowledge of a murder on a public Facebook post?

Question

I saw a public Facebook post by someone claiming she knows about a murder her boyfriend committed and got away with. The post doesn't provide any evidence or involve the police. Could she face legal trouble for making such a claim, or would only the "murderer" be in legal trouble?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

If someone publicly claims knowledge of a murder on social media without evidence or notifying the police, they could face legal trouble, particularly if their post leads to false accusations or public disturbance. While the person claiming knowledge might not be directly involved in the crime, making a false or misleading statement about a serious crime could result in charges such as obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence, or even making false reports, depending on the circumstances. 
 
If the post causes law enforcement to investigate based on inaccurate information, that could be considered a misuse of police resources, and there might be legal consequences for spreading false claims. Additionally, if the person has knowledge of a crime and fails to report it, they could be charged with being an accessory after the fact or a similar offense, depending on the laws in the jurisdiction. 
 
However, if the claim is simply a statement with no intent to mislead or interfere with the investigation, the person may not face criminal charges. Still, it’s important for anyone making such claims to be cautious, as they can have serious legal and personal implications. It’s always wise to report any knowledge of a crime directly to the authorities rather than making public statements.

Q: Can someone face legal trouble for claiming knowledge of a murder on a public Facebook post?