Letters: Beware of spreading rumors in small town environment

Living in small town, rumors are started easily, including when a new store is opening, who is dating who, who is moving here, who is leaving. This really does no one any harm, unless you are talking about the disappearance of someone's child, or in our case, the death of our son.

I have personally heard several rumors regarding the disappearance of Michelle Dickson, some of them horrifying and untrue with no foundation or merit.

I have never met Michelle or her family, but after hearing some of the rumors I felt compelled to write in and say something, as I am sure that some of the awful rumors have gotten back to Michelle's family in some way.

The false details of Michelle's disappearance should not be the topic of the gym conversations, or topics of the workplace, as this just feeds the rumor mill. Rumors, or twisted truths, not only are devastating to family and friends that are seeking information about their loved one, but they really can compromise an investigation. This causes an investigation to go off track, giving the perpetrator an opportunity to not be held accountable for the crime.

Investigations need to be on a need-to-know basis. If you are one of the individuals that are privileged to the information, don't share it … this includes with your wife, friends, family or co-workers. Again, this starts a frenzy in a small community.

If you want to help, and you have factual information, contact the law enforcement agency that is working on Michelle's case. Don't fall stupid to the hurtful rumor mill. Please at least spare her family this additional pain as they search for their daughter.

To Michelle and her family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Carlene Lacy

Crescent City