Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason is criticizing the rumors around Kingston Frazier's death, and addressing the timeline problem that he might have created soon after the abduction. File photo by Imani Khayyam

Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason is addressing the rampant rumors around the murder of 6-year-old Kingston Frazier—speculation fueled by an early report that the baby wasn't reported missing until an hour after the abduction, which apparently was not true. Here is the statement he posted on Facebook, verbatim:

It has been simply amazing to me, the vicious tone that this tragic loss of life has generated. The rumors have been rampant. Somewhere in the midst of it all, people tend to forget what others are going through. This tragic episode involving little Kingston Frazier has affected all of us. I would hate to think that anybody would do anything to deliberately cause hurt or shame to those closely connected with this tragedy. However, there are those who couldn't wait to pound away on their electronic devices, sending all kinds of unknown facts out, as if they were on the scene from beginning to end.

In one of the initial news conferences that was held, I reflected on a time frame that was relayed to me by my officer in the field. I reported what I was briefed on by the supervisors on the scene. While I shared approximate times, the information remained the same and those time lines have been cleared up now. Even after going through the approximate time lines on our radio system, interviews had to be conducted, and every moment was precious. We sought to include all pertinent and accurate details. We did all that was necessary to conclude the investigation, despite what you may be hearing.

One thing I will not do is try this case on social media. Once Madison County Sheriff, Randy Tucker, made his final statement at the press conference held later, all findings were shared with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations. However, I will share this. We know the truth, and in time, the truth will be revealed. I am grateful to each agency who played a part in this case.

As for right now, we need to take time out to pray for the family of Kingston Frazier. Let's stop with all of the outlandish rumors and outright lies that are being passed around and stated as truth. I, personally, am thankful that these three suspects were apprehended within 12 hours!! Share that news! As I stated earlier, we know the real truth and at its proper time and place, it all will come forth.

Now, more than ever, you should want to give an extra hug to your child. Now is a good time to involve yourself in your teenagers' affairs and question those things they might be involved in. This tragic incident is beyond anything I could have imagined. Again, we would never do anything deliberately to add to that pain.

JUST FOR THE RECORDS: Please know that I applaud the job that my officers did. Are we perfect? Absolutely not. We just strive to do our very best. That was probably one of the hardest few hours we've ever faced. Thank you Hinds County Sheriff's Office!

Read more about the case at jfp.ms/kingstonfrazier.