For police in several Texas cities, the hunt is on for a black male who they allege has sexually assaulted four members of the same college sorority.
Reports indicate that the reported attacks took place over several months in the cities of Plano, Coppell and Corinth. Police, meantime, did provide the media with a video they say shows the suspect, thought to be in his late 30s to mid-40s and on the heavy side, they believe responsible for each of the assaults.
What makes the case more interesting is that the four victims have been out of college for decades now, and were all members of the same sorority, Delta Sigma Theta.
One police spokesperson noted that the suspect reportedly knew personal details about each of his victims; victims’ police say did not know their attacker.
One of the police theories is that the suspect may have learned some personal information about each of the women by tracking their moves on different social media sites and/or online directories.
Authorities have been telling sorority alumnae to be careful with providing any personal details online such as their locations and/or plans.
The attacks have had a pattern besides the sorority connection, with all having taken place between 9:15 p.m. and 4 a.m. when each of the victims was home alone and likely asleep.
So, if personal online information was gained by the suspect, how many more women in the greater Dallas area could be at risk? While police did not have a suspect in custody as of Oct. 26, sorority members and any other females for that matter would be wise to take caution when using online tools to discuss matters amongst friends, family and co-workers.
When using social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, women especially should avoid:
- Giving out personal information where they are going, especially if it is alone;
- Noting that their significant others and/or families are away for any period of time;
- Providing personal details on where they live, contact information;
- Offering information about where they work, go to school and so on.
While this may seem like a no-brainer situation, stop and think about when people post their contact information online, especially on their personal Web sites. Oftentimes, the person will forget to remove a home address and/or telephone, making it all that much easier for some intending to do them harm have access to detailed information.
While police in Texas look for the suspect terrorizing members of one sorority, women in general are best served by using online Web sites and social media tools with caution.
That does not mean avoid them; just think before you tweet, share and so on.
Photo credit: plano.gov
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What a shocking news. Even though there are lots of advertisement informing social media users not to directly give their information online especially if they don’t know much about that person because it may lead to make your life in danger. Social media is a great way to interact and made a lot of friends but just be careful in choosing.. Enjoy!
Twitter: davelucas
Most people have read this kind of article a hundred times before!
Dave, leaving this on Karen’s blog is akin to “preaching to the choir” – I would much rather see your article appear in high school and college-oriented newspapers, where it could reach someone more likely to be in danger.
it’s really amazing how people continue to be so stupid about this! The word about predators on social networks is old news. I can only conclude that victims are either totally isolated idiots, or they are so hungry for real human contact they abandon all caution and common sense.
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Twitter: TechPatio
I agree with the comment by Dave. I think most readers here, already know how to behave on social sites. Still, it’s important to continue to expose people to it – even though this blog might not have been the best place to do it
People are stupid when it comes to certain things, even after all these years, it’s still possible for scammers to sell high-end mobile phones for half the price (of course it never comes) and receive payment upfront. I think this kind of social media “attacks” will continue to occur for many years to come, unless the social sites change things around so only your friends can see your stuff – and you learn to be careful who to select as “friends” on such sites.
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I would much rather see your article appear in high school and college-oriented newspapers, where it could reach someone more likely to be in danger.great post!!
Twitter: Newstouse
While I appreciate the feedback, you’d be surprised how many women do NOT follow the safety steps. I oftentimes see on Twitter, Facebook, etc. women (20s, 30s, etc.) posting about their plans for the night, how drunk they are at the moment, they’re significant other is away for the weekend etc. Whether you are a 13-year-old girl or a 33-year-old woman, don’t think it can’t happen to you. If one female reads this who thinks otherwise about her online actions and it prevents something terrible from happening, then the purpose was served. Thanks again for reading.
I agree completely with Dave, that almost the majority of all women in social networks think that it won’t happen with them, and that none will be interested in browsing through or reading their pages on social networks. But how can they be so silly, I wonder. You should better post this article on all social networks and ask everyone to share it, maybe then some of them will understand something….or maybe not….
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Twitter: tonyknuckles
When they catch animals of this species they need to put them immediately into general population. A nice signifying emblem should also accompany them as well.
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I suppose I understand everyone’s criticism here, as far as the latter part of the article where there’s just sort of a list of rudimentary info and advice for avoiding trouble online. The earlier part is fair game for a brief article, as its national news and the part about the victims all going to the same college 30 years ago is so bizarre; its salacious but people *are* interested.
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I agree with the police side of story that its really possible that he get information about their moves through social media sites or through directories. excellent investigation done by police.
Great that you are informing and educating people about this problem Dave!
It’s not just for women. What about all the people that post on facebook that they are on a holiday. Or just saying “Wow, India is so beautiful”. If people have your name, it’s still quite easy to find the address.
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