Residents of Texas are growing increasingly concerned about the potential presence of a serial killer, as the number of deaths in lakes across the state has become more alarming.
These worries have arisen following continuous reports of bodies being recovered from the Bayous in Houston and other locations in Texas. A significant case involved a missing person reported on Sunday (June 1), who was later discovered by a paddle boarder in Lady Bird Lake, Austin, on Tuesday (June 3).
This discovery marked the 19th body found in the water over a three-year period.
As a result, suspicions have led to speculations about an individual, dubbed the ‘Rainey Street Ripper,’ being responsible for these deaths. This nickname originates from the proximity of Lady Bird Lake to Rainey Street, a popular nightlife area in downtown Austin.
In July of last year, a petition with over 5,000 signatures urged the police to investigate the possibility of a larger issue behind these deaths.
The petition, titled ‘Austin Police Department – Acknowledge That The Austin Drownings May Not Be Accidents’, was reported by My San Antonio.
Nonetheless, law enforcement officials have maintained that there is no serial killer in the city.
The speculation has resurfaced after new revelations from officials indicate that the number of bodies found in Houston’s bayous is higher than previously reported.
In the past week alone, five bodies were retrieved from the water. Initially, police estimated that 14 individuals had drowned in various bodies of water in the city this year. However, local reports suggest the number is higher.
A medical examiner informed KPRC-TV that the actual count is 22.
Despite this figure, the Houston Police Department asserts that there is no evidence to suggest a serial killer is involved. Council member Letitia Plummer has still advised residents to be cautious near water.
She stated: “Residents need to remain cautious. Our young people need to understand that if you’re walking around in the bayous past dusk, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy.”
Plummer added: “It is time to be very cautious and careful during this time.”
Regarding the 22 recovered bodies, only six have confirmed causes of death, while the rest remain pending or undetermined.
Plummer commented: “This community wants answers, and we will deliver them. We don’t want assumptions. We don’t want rumors. Families deserve the truth.”
The body found in June was identified as a teenager who had been kayaking with his family when he fell into the water and did not reappear, according to Fox 7 Austin.
Corporal Jose Mendez of the Austin Police Department explained to 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.”
In response to safety concerns, new fencing and lighting have been installed around the lake as part of an $800,000 upgrade to safeguard city residents from potential dangers related to the proximity of nightlife areas.
Authorities are also considering deploying paramedics at the end of Rainey Street to assist intoxicated individuals.
We reached out to the Austin Police Department for additional comments.