New England serial killer fears reignite after eighth body is found in region
Fears that a serial killer may be on the loose in New England have been reignited after an eighth body was discovered in the region.
The woman, who has yet to be identified, was found unresponsive Tuesday off a bike path in Springfield, Massachusetts, with the cause of death currently unknown.
The death comes amid so-far unfounded rumors about a serial killer who has allegedly killed seven people, mostly women, between March and April in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Over the last two months, human remains have been recovered in Rhode Island and Plymouth as well as a number across Connecticut — in New Haven, Norwalk, Groton and Killingly.
The discoveries spurred the formation of the “New England Serial Killer” Facebook group, which spread fervor on social media over the possibility that a murderer may be on the loose and operating in the three neighboring states.
Police, however, continue to reject the theory, condemning the speculation as nothing more than “internet rumors.”
“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 told Fox News Digital.
Police also have no reason at this time to believe that the latest body found is connected with any of the other deaths, added Springfield Police Department spokesperson Ryan Walsh.
A medical examiner is set to determine the cause of the woman’s death as police work to identify her, Walsh added.
So far, only three of the eight bodies have been identified, all women, with officials noting that some of the bodies recovered were degraded, making it hard to identify the deceased.
One of the women was Paige Fannon, 35, of West Islip, New York, who was found on March 6 in the Norwalk River.
Norwalk Police noted that her clothing and personal items were found on the banks of the river, which prompted a dive team search.
Denise Leary, 59, a mother of two who disappeared in September, was discovered in New Haven on March 21.
Michele Romano, 56, of Warwick, New York, was found on March 26 in Foster. Like Leary, she was declared missing before her body was discovered.
The cause of death of all three women has yet to be released.
Police also believe that another of the deceased, the person found in Killingly, was a middle aged woman.
As police continue investigating the deaths, speculations of a serial killer have run rampant on social media.
