The Telegraph is reporting that Falcon Heene’s father Richard initiated the atrocious balloon hoax as he “believes the world is going to end in 2012.” Was it the previews for this winter’s disaster flick that started it all?

A lawyer for one of Heene’s researchers, who was recently interviewed by the authorities, relayed the following (totally zany) info to the Telegraph:

"Because of that he wanted to make money quickly, become rich enough to build a bunker or something underground, where he can be safe from the sun exploding.”

A client who once worked for Mayumi Heene - Falcon’s mother – has stated that Richard is “on the edge” and that she worries he could hold his family hostage in a Jonestown-like setup. Sounds like it’s time to get the authorities back on the horn! (Newser.com)

Next: New York student arrested in Columbine-style scheme...