Supporters, Media Use Social Media for Information About Wounded Officer

One of the underlying themes of the coverage of Officer Rachel Morgan's shooting has been the use of social media to spread information—and in some cases, misinformation.

Much of what we know about Michael Sean Carmody, the alleged shooter, is not only through court records and releases from the authorities. We've learned just as much from his MySpace page.

We learned about how he lost his mother days before his 18th birthday. We learned about how he lost his best friend in a car crash in 2008.

We saw the jarring pictures of his scarred face after the crash, in a hospital bed, much like he is now.

Social media also gave readers an outlet to show support for the shooting victim. By 2 p.m. Tuesday, more than 5,000 people had liked a Facebook page called "Thoughts & Prayers for Rachel Morgan."

The page's administrator is keeping users updated about Morgan's condition, and put a smiling face on the object of everyone's concern. More than 150 people have written on the wall, offering their thoughts and prayers.

Paramus residents like Ronald Strub, who said, "there are MANY people on here from Paramus, myself included, that appreciate the updates and are truly concerned about her condition. please keep us updated. I knew of Rachel but didnt know her outside of being from the PPD. I hope for a speedy recovery."

Or Ruth Ann Kordell, who wrote, "This community is 100% united behind her! We know she will be back doing what she loves soon!"

Many users have changed their profile pictures to the Paramus Police badge, as a way of showing support for Morgan.

On Twitter, police officers from as far as Southern California and as close as Fair Lawn, state assemblymen and ordinary people, all offered support, 140 characters at a time.

But Twitter was also a source of misinformation. A rumor, since refuted by Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli, found a home on the social networking service, and a number of people offered condolences for Carmody's death, when all reports indicated he was alive as of 1 p.m. Tuesday.