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When a nationwide manhunt is underway for an individual and law enforcement is seeking information on their identity, many people wonder if they are legally obligated to provide that information. The simple answer is no. There is no legal duty to report information in such cases. However, authorities often offer rewards to incentivize individuals to come forward with information.
In a recent case where the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Police Department offered a $10,000 reward for information, while the F.B.I. posted a $50,000 reward. Despite the widespread circulation of photos of the suspect, there is no legal obligation for individuals who may know the suspect’s identity to report it to the authorities.
It is important to note that harboring a wanted felon can be illegal, and there are certain professions, such as teachers, who are mandated to report specific crimes like child abuse. Additionally, there is a federal offense known as “misprision of felony,” which requires individuals with knowledge of a federal felony to report it to the authorities. However, this specific law may not apply in all cases, especially if the crime is prosecuted under state law.
In the case of the killing of Mr. Thompson, which is likely to be prosecuted under New York State law, there is no legal requirement for individuals to report information about the suspect. It is essential to distinguish between knowing the identity of a potential suspect and having concrete evidence of their involvement in a crime. In the absence of solid proof, individuals, including the suspect’s family and friends, are not legally obligated to disclose information.
While there may be moral objections to withholding information in such cases, individuals cannot be subject to criminal prosecution for choosing not to come forward. Ultimately, the decision to report information to authorities in a nationwide manhunt situation is a personal one, and individuals are not legally bound to disclose what they know.
Source: The NY Times
