Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins said today the department is aware of “social media personalities” perpetuating the idea that they have inside information about the hanging death investigation of Demetrius Fleming.

One such post was sent via text to rrspin.com in the form of a screenshot Monday, claiming police have a person of interest.

“The community should exercise extreme caution when considering information from unverified sources,” Wiggins said in a statement this afternoon. “The investigation is progressing; however, we are not prepared to release any additional information currently. The investigative team is working diligently to bring this case to a fact-based resolution. We ask that people conduct themselves with dignity and respect concerning the discourse surrounding this case and consider Mr. Fleming’s family and the pain they are currently enduring. Our commitment is to the evidence which will provide the fact-based conclusion for this case.”

During a press briefing Friday, Wiggins said officers found Fleming connected to a ligature after responding to an attempted suicide call shortly after 6:45 a.m. The 911 call came from someone close to the victim, he said.

Halifax County EMS and the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department responded to provide medical aid, but Fleming was determined to be deceased.

A fundraising effort is underway to cover funeral expenses for Fleming.