I think these things usually start with genuine speculation, egWhoever started this silly rumour in the courtroom Needs to go to specsavers methinks, there very good.
"I wonder if he had any scratches on him."
Unfortunately people tend to skim-read things, or not listen properly, and this becomes
"I read/Someone said that he had scratches on his face."
But as soon as we debunked it, people started to speculate that he MAY have had scratches the day after the disappearance ...
And on it goes.
ETA Just read your post, @gravyh
Yes, I think it's just chinese whispers with mishearings and misunderstandings increasing with each repetition. Do bear in mind that this is not the only place the case is being discussed.
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