Thank you, Dan
It's quite likely that the >ahem< practical jokers will be prosecuted on a lesser charge like obstruction of justice and (as you stated) interfering with an investigation, as well as wreckless endangerment and a blizzard of other charges I have never heard of. They will, no doubt, escape the maximum penalties reserved for those whose actions result in a death, but I'm sure they will face serious time and fines in amounts I don't want to contemplate. As they should.
Regards--
Mary Anne