Ten bodies discovered across three New England states in under two months have sparked serial killer fears, but authorities remain skeptical of connections despite growing public speculation.
At a Glance
- Ten bodies or human remains have been found across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts in less than two months
- Most identified victims have been female, fueling online speculation about a possible serial killer
- A Facebook group dedicated to the “New England Serial Killer” has grown to over 67,500 members
- Law enforcement agencies have found no evidence linking the deaths and report no known public threat
- Police have investigated social media claims of clandestine graves, which proved to be hoaxes
Growing Concern Across New England
The discovery of ten bodies across three New England states since March has created mounting concern among residents. The latest discoveries include an unidentified body in Taunton, Massachusetts, and another found in the Connecticut River near Rocky Hill, Connecticut. These findings add to a growing list of deceased individuals discovered in various locations throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, with investigators working to identify victims and determine causes of death in each case.
Law enforcement officials have been careful not to draw premature conclusions about the cases. The Rocky Hill Police Department confirmed the discovery of a body on April 27, stating: “Upon arrival, responding officers and emergency personnel confirmed the presence of a deceased individual in the water. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was notified and responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. At this time, the identity of the individual remains unknown and the cause of death is pending determination by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Social Media Speculation Fuels Fears
Public concern has manifested dramatically online, with a Facebook group initially titled “New England Serial Killer” amassing over 67,500 members. The group has become a forum for speculation and amateur sleuthing, gaining over 15,000 new members in just a few weeks. Google searches for “New England serial killer” spiked around April 7, demonstrating the growing public interest and concern surrounding these cases.
“There is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, and there is also no known threat to the public at this time,” Connecticut State Police stated.
The situation has prompted law enforcement to investigate claims made on social media, including one instance where Narragansett Police conducted searches after anonymous posts claimed bodies were buried at Black Point in Scarborough Beach. The department noted, “During the past week, the Narragansett Police were made aware of concerning posts circulating online where the author posted anonymously in a Facebook group dedicated to New England Serial Killers… The post alluded to the possibility that multiple bodies were buried in Black Point area of Scarborough Beach.”
Authorities Urge Caution Against Unfounded Speculation
Law enforcement officials across the three states have consistently urged the public to exercise restraint in speculating about connections between the cases. They warn that unverified social media claims can actually impede their investigative work. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni emphasized, “We are actively working every lead and deploying every available resource. At this time, there is no indication that these incidents are connected to each other or are they part of a larger public safety threat.”
“It looked like someone was trying to get a rise. I mean, he referenced Rick Rolling the group, he referenced this being prose. One of his poems actually spelled out the word ‘hoax’ if you spelled out the first letter of the paragraphs. So, it seemed pretty obvious that this was kind of a nothing thing, but I never want to be the person that didn’t do something,” Det. Sgt. Brent Kuzman explained regarding one investigated claim.
Despite finding no evidence linking the deaths, authorities remain vigilant. The Narragansett Police Department conducted thorough searches with cadaver dogs after receiving tips about possible graves, reporting that “detectives, along with two RISP cadaver K9s conducted an extensive search of the area with negative results for any clandestine graves. Narragansett Detectives have also been in communication with the FBI regarding this matter.” The investigation exposed one particular threatening post as an apparent hoax, with detectives noting that the anonymous message contained coded references indicating it wasn’t genuine.
Investigation Continues Amid Public Concern
While public speculation continues to grow, law enforcement agencies maintain their commitment to investigating each case independently until evidence suggests otherwise. Detective Sergeant Kuzman noted the potential for confirmation bias within online groups, where members may draw unfounded connections between unrelated cases. Despite the widespread online theories, police have not linked any of the deaths, and it remains unclear whether any were homicides.
As investigations proceed, authorities continue to identify remains, determine causes of death, and explore all potential leads. The large geographic area covered by the discoveries spans multiple jurisdictions, requiring coordination between various law enforcement agencies. While public concern remains high, especially given the discovery that most identified victims have been female, officials continue to maintain that there is no evidence of a serial killer and no widespread threat to public safety at present.
