Everything we know about 19 bodies pulled from one lake as fears of potential US serial killer grow
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Americans are bracing themselves as fears grow that a potential serial killer could be on the loose after as many as 19 bodies have been pulled from one lake in just three years.
If the deaths of all 19 were related, it could mean the US has a serial killer at large.
However, authorities do not believe it to be the case, despite there having been more than a dozen corpses discovered in just one water system and one man having 'survived' an alleged attack.
Where the bodies were located
The bodies were discovered in Texas, or to be precise, all 19 were pulled out of Lady Bird Lake, in Austin.
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Since 2022, it has been a frequent occurrence for residents in the area to hear that a body has been found washed up on the side of the river-like reservoir that flows through the heart of the city.
To note some geography of Lady Bird Lake, it is part of the Colorado River and just so happens to be located beside the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Austin, and more specifically the popular drinking strip - Rainey Street, which now lends its name to the alleged serial killer locals have dubbed the 'Rainey Street Ripper'.
What the police have said
However, police have insisted a killer is not lurking around Austin, confirming only one case to be a homicide, though at least six of the bodies recovered from the lake have unknown causes of death.
In the case of the latest body, whose identity hasn't been revealed, the authorities say the teen was kayaking with his family on the lake when he entered the water and failed to come to the surface, as per Fox 7 Austin.
Corporal Jose Mendez of the Austin Police Department told the outlet: "Another paddleboarder was here out on Lady Bird Lake and notified us that it appeared that an individual was deceased and floating on Lady Bird Lake."
The force has consistently pushed back on claims that a serial killer is at large, having previously taken to social media to address rumors.
Back in 2023, Austin Police Department posted on Facebook: "The Austin Police Department is aware of speculations regarding the recent drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Although these cases are still under investigation and evidence is being analyzed, at this time, there is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play.
"While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations, and demographics surrounding these cases vary. Our investigators approach every case with an open mind and objectively examine all available evidence.
"We work closely with the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, which conducts a parallel investigation into all deaths. The Medical Examiner performs autopsies in each of these types of death investigations. The results of these autopsies have not revealed any trauma to the bodies nor indication of foul play."
It continued: "One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points. Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night.
"The parks in which most of these drownings have occurred are park areas that close at 10pm and occur after the park closes. We advise the public to follow the rules on park closures."
Demographic of bodies pulled from lake
According to Fox News 7, 60 percent of the bodies that have been recovered have been aged between 39 and 49, while there has also been two teenagers recovered.
Who is Jeff Jones?
Jeff Jones believes that he survived an attack of the so-called 'Rainey Street Ripper', having been found beneath a bridge and later a toxicology test confirmed that there were traces of benzodiazepine in his system, which the date-rape drug Rohypnol falls under.
The incident took place in June 2023, while the 39-year-old was enjoying a bachelor party with around a dozen of his friends, who he'd flown over with from Boston, Massachusetts.
"Whoever they may be just missed the target and I hit the ground, and luckily because of that I didn't drown," Jones told the Mail Online last year.
"I just got lucky... Not many people can say they potentially survived a serial killer, so that's a story I can tell, I guess."
His body was found at the bottom of West Sixth Street Bridge, which is carried over Shoal Creek that in turn flows into the Colorado River.
Jones fell into a coma before complications meant he had to be induced again while he underwent surgeries, including metal rods being fitted to his back, but has since made a full recovery.
UNILAD has contacted Austin Police Department for further comment.
Joe Yates