With the rise of social media, the desire to film private moments of our lives is growing rapidly. The increase in social media use has led to a large jump in crimes being projected on live streams since the mid 2010s. Live streaming is the use of an Internet enabled device, like a smart phone or computer, to broadcast video in real-time to an audience over the Internet. These videos can be seen by anyone who has access to the user’s platform. Sometimes, whether on purpose or not, individuals live stream a crime for all to see.
What Happens When You Live Stream A Crime
It goes without saying that the streaming of a violent crime like murder or rape can be used to find one guilty of the crime they’ve committed, but what about the streaming of a seemingly innocent moment that quickly spirals out of control and is caught on camera? When those moments are caught on a live-streamed platform, it’s tough to take it back. That’s what happened in a recent Florida Walgreens when Ryan Greenlee walked in to buy beef jerky while streaming live on Facebook and ended up leaving in handcuffs.
Ryan Greenlee’s Live Streaming Incident
On a Wednesday night in May, Greenlee entered a Walgreens with his camera live streaming on his Facebook. He flashed his cash at his camera, but didn’t have enough for his purchase. He got belligerent and was asked to leave the store. That’s when the trouble started. Greenlee started tossing things around, including a box that hit a nearby infant in the head – all while still live streaming on his own device.
He was arrested for on six different counts including child abuse, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and resisting arrest with violence. Due to his violent outburst and aggressive behavior, he is being help in the healthcare wing of the jail, according to a report on KMOV4.
Always Pay Special Attention To What You Allow To Live Stream
Social media and being able to live stream what’s happening around you can be fun, but always make sure to be on your best behavior, because you never know when your actions streamed on the Internet can be used against you.
If you or someone you know are in trouble with the law because of something that was seen in a live stream or social media video contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Russell Spatz to see how you can get assistance in clearing your name. Russell Spatz has decades of experience and is ready for you to give him a call at 305-442-0200 for your consultation.
References:
Grigg, Nicole. “Florida Man Arrested as He Live Streams His Own Crime, Hits Baby in Head.” KMOV.com, 18 May 2019, www.kmov.com/news/florida-man-arrested-as-he-live-streams-his-own-crime/article_70cd6fc8-7989-11e9-9a7e-13cd35dcc080.html.