A May 26 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) urged residents of a major Pennsylvania city to be aware of a deadly threat in the area.
“PITTSBURGH HAS A SERIAL KILLER,” reads the post. “Be careful, be smart, be mindful. Mfs have named him ‘The Smiley Face Killer’ everyone please STAY ALERT! Idk why this isn’t getting more notice wtf. He targets young adults. From 20+ & up. His hunting grounds are around nature!!! Trails!! & nature is also his dump site & why people keep getting found in rivers. THIS IS NOT A JOKE.”
The post was shared over 5,000 times in less than a week. Another version of the claim was shared more than 700 times.
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