Investigators spent days trying to corroborate Perry's story and interviewed several teenagers only to find out they wasted valuable time.
"When someone says they witnessed the death of another person, we are obligated to shift perspective until the truth is known," said Gay.
Investigators determined Perry made up the story. They found Perry did not know Davis. He is charged with obstruction of justice -- a felony under North Carolina law. He made his first court appearance Friday.
"Valuable resources were needed to follow-up on the specifics Perry provided. His actions temporarily hindered our investigation."
Gay would not comment on why Perry lied to investigators and called Perry's actions "appalling and criminal."
Investigators had set up a hotline last week to general new leads about the Davis case. Detectives said they fielded several calls.
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