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When a nationwide manhunt is underway for an individual and authorities are seeking information on their identity, many wonder if there is a legal obligation to provide such information. The simple answer is no. There is no legal duty to report information on a wanted individual, and rewards are often offered to incentivize people to come forward with information.
For instance, in a recent case where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed outside a hotel 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, individuals who may know the person are not legally obligated to disclose their identity.
However, it is important to note that harboring a wanted felon can be illegal, and certain individuals, such as teachers mandated to report child abuse, are required by law to report specific crimes. Additionally, there is a federal offense known as “misprision of felony,” which mandates reporting knowledge of a federal felony to the authorities. Nonetheless, in cases like the killing of Mr. Thompson, which is likely to be prosecuted under New York State law, there is no legal requirement to report information on the suspect.
Furthermore, merely knowing the identity of a person believed to have committed a crime does not imply knowledge of their involvement in the crime. Therefore, individuals, including the suspect’s family and friends, have the right to remain silent in such situations without facing criminal prosecution. While there may be moral objections to not reporting information, it is not a legally punishable offense.
In conclusion, individuals are not legally obligated to report information on a wanted person, and rewards are often used to encourage cooperation from the public. Despite the moral implications of withholding information, the decision to come forward with information on a suspect remains a personal choice rather than a legal requirement.
Source: The NY Times
