Family of Wrongly Named Brown University Suspect Details Harassment After Online Mix-Up

A Wisconsin family is dealing with severe harassment after their son was mistakenly identified online as a suspect in the Brown University shooting. The misidentification occurred over the weekend of December 14th in Providence, Rhode Island. Internet sleuths and several major news outlets incorrectly named Benjamin Erickson as the person of interest.The actual person of interest, a different man also named Benjamin, was quickly released by police. According to the Washington Post and NBC News, the erroneous identification spread rapidly online. This led to a wave of intense scrutiny and unwanted contact for an entirely innocent family.

Family Receives Flood of Unwanted Media Contact

The mother of the misidentified man, Kathy Erickson, spoke out on Facebook. She described receiving a slew of calls from media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal. Her son, who lives in St. Louis but has a Wisconsin phone number, was incorrectly linked to the crime.”Our hearts go out to the victims,” Kathy Erickson wrote. She expressed shock that the suspect shared her son’s name. The family said the experience was disruptive and frightening, prompting them to issue a public statement to clear his name.

Official Investigation Proceeds with Different Suspect

Police arrested a 24-year-old Wisconsin man at a Coventry County hotel early Sunday. Authorities found a handgun and loaded magazines in his possession. The FBI confirmed using phone geolocation data to track the individual.The U.S. Army verified the detained man served as an infantry soldier until 2024. He had sniper training and extensive firearms experience. His social media indicated he was a recent graduate planning to attend Brown University.This individual was released hours later and is no longer considered a person of interest. The investigation into the campus shooting continues. Police are now focusing on other leads to find the responsible party.

Brown University Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Triggers Statewide Mourning with Flags at Half-Staff

The case highlights the real-world harm of rapid online misinformation. The search for the Brown University suspect hit a major snag due to mistaken identity, causing significant distress for an innocent family.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How was the wrong person identified as the suspect?

Online investigators and some news outlets conflated two people with the same name. They publicized the LinkedIn profile of an innocent Wisconsin man named Benjamin Erickson, not the actual person briefly detained by police.

Q2: What did the family of the misidentified man say?

Kathy Erickson said her family received numerous harassing calls, including from major news organizations. She asked for prayers for the actual suspect’s family while clarifying her son’s innocence.

Q3: What happened to the actual person of interest?

Police arrested a 24-year-old man with a military background. He was released after questioning and is no longer a person of interest. The investigation remains active as authorities search for the shooter.

Q4: What was found with the detained individual?

According to police statements, a handgun and a pistol with two fully loaded magazines were found in his hotel room. The weapons are part of the ongoing evidence collection.

Q5: Why is this case significant beyond the shooting?

It demonstrates the dangerous speed and consequences of online misidentification. Innocent people can face immediate public scrutiny and harassment before facts are officially confirmed by authorities.