I agree that the intv seemed highly suspect due to the confidential nature of the investigation. It doesn't seem likely that an experienced LEO would just start giving intvs about a very serious ongoing investigation w/o approval from higher ups. That said, I doubt it was falsified info; just strategic in what was released (and subsequently redacted), and by whom (African American male LEO, invoking God.)
It may have been set up not only to reach JLM (is he even watching news?), but rather to
help quell racial tensions that developed early on over this case, a
nd to reach people in the African American community who may have add'l info, incl. JLM's extended circle of coworkers, friends, and family.
From what I've read, Longo has been criticized for his efforts to get AA men to voluntarily submit to DNA testing in the past:
http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2004/03/police-ask-residents-for-dna-samples-to-aid-serial/