Reported Photos of Dead Man Unproven: Mendota Heights Police

Mendota Heights police filed the following report under "rumor control." Authorities say there have been unsubstantiated claims going around regarding the Joey Hernandez case "that need to be addressed."

The body of Hernandez was discovered on Thanksgiving in a Mendota Heights nature preserve. The Mendota Heights Police Department began searching for Hernandez, 35, after he went missing from a motel in the city Nov. 7.

"Some people have heard that there are pictures of Mr. Hernandez, after death, on social media or on electronic devices," police said on Facebook. "As soon as we were made aware of the rumors, phones and social media accounts were searched and we have been unable to locate any such pictures."

Everyone who has reported the possibility of the pictures heard it from "a friend of a friend," according to police. "We have been unable to locate anyone who has seen the alleged pictures first hand. Such rumors are not only hurtful to the Hernandez family, but they are disrespectful to the people who found Joey and did the right thing by calling 911."

Police ask that if you know someone who has seen the alleged pictures first hand to contact the Mendota Heights Police Department immediately at (651) 452-1366.

Image via Mendota Heights Police