Police address serial killer fears in US state after 19 bodies found in lake
There have been 19 bodies found in the lake since 2022
Locals in Texas have growing suspicion regarding a 'serial killer' in the region, after 19 bodies were retrieved from the same lake over three years.
The body of a teenage boy, who was reported missing on Sunday (1 June), has been found in Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas, on Tuesday (3 June).
But his isn't the only body to have been retrieved from the lake in recent years.
In fact, 19 others have been found, making the teen the latest male corpse to be discovered in the lake since 2022.
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Early investigations by police suggest that the teenager was out kayaking with his family, when he left his boat to stand in what he thought was a shallow part of the lake. However, it was in fact an underwater shelf.
He is believed to have slipped and failed to resurface, having not been wearing a lifejacket.
Of all 19 deaths, 60 percent were aged between 39 and 49, while two were teenagers.
But locals are now concerned about the prospect of a serial killer in the area, given the vast number of bodies found in such a short space of time.
Despite their suspicions, a large number of the deaths have been accounted for, with most cases having occurred as a result of drowning.
Drug overdoses and natural causes have been listed as other reasons.
However, at least six of the bodies found in Lady Bird Lake have causes of death which remain 'unknown'.
A petition launched last July by locals, titled 'Austin Police Department - Acknowledge That The Austin Drownings May Not Be Accidents', gained more than 6,200 signatures.
It was founded following the disappearance of Christian Pugh, 21, who was found near the lake two days later in November 2019.
He was found badly injured after disappearing from a night out in the city and fell into a coma for a month, though he survived.
The police said he fell from a bridge, but there were rumours he was beaten by a mystery serial killer, My San Antonio reports.
However, officials have confirmed that the most recent teen to be found had no trauma wounds, and there was no reason to suspect foul play.
They have also said they do not believe the deaths are connected.
The area has a busy and bustling nightlife scene, which is why the lake is a worrying concern for locals.
The first person ever to be pulled from Lady Bird Lake was 30-year-old Jason John.
His body was found in February 2023, and was last seen over a week before at a popular bar spot.
In an attempt to solve the problem, the city has invested in fencing and lighting around the dangerous lake, costing $800,000 (£590,000).
They also parking ambulances to take home partygoers who have had more than enough to drink - but their efforts have still failed to stop the speculation.
Mia Williams