By May 19, rumors were still being spread. Many people believed that the slayer had been caught. Some believed he was being held at the Bowie County Jail surrounded by Texas Rangers with submachine guns on their knees. Others believed he was flown to an out-of-town jail. The "Gazette" and "News" offices were drowned with phone calls, both local and long distance, inquiring about the apprehension of the killer. "Newspapers Will Tell Public If Killer Is Caught", read one of the sub-headlines of the May 19th edition of the "Texarkana Gazette". Sheriff Presley declared that innocent people were being accused of being the Phantom and asked residents to show more consideration for their fellow citizens.