It looks like there is still power in numbers.
Los Angeles Clippers’ small forward Matt Barnes used his social media following to help track down the alleged murderer of his aunt and it may have led to his arrest.
“Michael Williams, suspect in the 24th street homicide, is in police custody thanks to a citizen tip. He was located in the Sacramento area,” the Sacramento police announced via Twitter on Tuesday.
Following the announcement from the police that Williams had been taken into custody, Barnes tweeted out a thank you to his supporters.
“We are very grateful and humbled by all the help we received from the media and most importantly you guys,” he said.
Last week, Barnes posted a plea on Instagram and Twitter asking his fans and followers to help find the estranged husband and prime suspect in the alleged stabbing death of his aunt, Tanganyika Hoover.
“Having the platform that I had, I want to speak out on social media and I got some of my other friends to repost it and really just have the whole city of Sacramento on the lookout for this guy,” Barnes told ABC on Tuesday.
Barnes is from the Sacramento area where Hoover was killed on July 8. He hoped locals would help track down Williams, who police considered the lone suspect in the case. Police embraced Barnes’ help on the case.
“He’s a local kid, he has a following here in Sacramento and having his name attached with this and helping on this investigation will help us actually solve this matter,” said Sacramento police chief Sam Somers.
It just may have worked, too. Although it remains unclear who the tip was from, it’s possible the local saw Barnes’ Instagram post which garnered over 15,000 likes in the last week. Actress Gabrielle Union, a friend of the veteran NBA player, reposted the photo to her nearly two million followers as well.
“In her unfortunate passing I’m hoping to be her voice and her eyes and ears and really try to help in any way possible,” Barnes said.
Barnes continued to be gracious on social media Tuesday, repeatedly praising his followers.
“Thank you guys for your support and tips that brought a murder to justice. Love y’all!” he said.
