Authorities want to stop a rumor about what motivated the suspected serial stabber.
It came up at a recent forum held by the NAACP.
Elias Abuelazam worked at a party store - and came to know some people who lost relatives robbed and killed while working at the store.
People at the forum said they heard a rumor that he senselessly killed in an effort to avenge these deaths.
Those close to the case say it is a rumor hurting crime victims and the Genesee County Prosecutor says there is strong evidence against this rumored motive.
"Stabbings began to occur well in advance of the suspect meeting this store owner," said Prosecutor David Leyton.
Police say they are still investigating what motivated the suspected serial killer.
