Far-reaching fake news makes light of tragedy

A call came in to The Press newsroom a short time ago today from a woman with a 501 area code. She said she received a “news alert” that a 2-year-old in Hayden is being charged with murder.

“Is that true?” she asked.

The caller, who sounded upset, was told The Press hasn’t and will not be reporting that a toddler is facing a murder charge. 

Nikitha Hawkins said she was calling from her home in Arkansas where she she saw the news story posted on Facebook.

“It startled the world out of me. It troubled me to the point where it made me call,” Hawkins said. “I don’t know who was this sick to put it out there, but they need Jesus.”

A quick Google check revealed that a website named Empire News has indeed published a story with the following headline: “2-Year-Old Who Shot Mother In Walmart To Be Tried For Crime As An Adult.”

The online article has a Hayden dateline and includes details from the real-life tragedy that unfolded at the Hayden Walmart.

It also includes quotes that are obviously made up, and a ridiculous claim that the child is being held in maximum security with bail.

A closer look at Empire News uncovers this disclaimer: “Empire News is a satirical and entertainment website. We only use invented names in all our stories, except in cases when public figures are being satirized. Any other use of real names is accidental and coincidental.”

Hawkins said she cried when she read the fake news story. She cried again while she was on the phone with a Press reporter and learned that there was some truth to the story.

“My prayers, and the prayers of my church family are with you and the people of your community,” Hawkins said.

Editor's note: The Press is not posting the link to the fake news story. We don’t want to promote this type of “entertainment”.