'Shaken' Austin residents suspicious after cops claim there's no foul play in Lady Bird Lake deaths
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AUSTIN, TEXAS: A series of deaths of four men in Austin's downtown Lady Bird Lake has caused concerns of a possible serial killer on the loose among Rainey Street residents. Police have not found evidence to support this claim. The incidents occurred in the area which is known for its bars.
Despite some dismissing the rumors, many residents are worried about the recent events. "Everyone seems shaken. Every person I've talked to around here has been really upset about it," said a concerned resident. Another woman commented, "All I know is that it's like a spate of bodies has been found, a high number in a short period of time." Fox News reported on the concerns of the residents.
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Are the deaths a result of accidents or suicides?
Austin Chief of Police Joseph Chacon has reassured the public that there are no indications of foul play in the recent deaths of four men at Lady Bird Lake. Chacon told Fox 7 Austin on April 20 that there is no evidence of a serial killer in Austin and suggested the deaths may have been caused by accidents or suicides. However, retired NYPD detective Kevin Gannon, who investigated the "Smiley Face Killers" theory, stated that due to the high number of deaths in a short period of time, he doesn't believe they were accidental.
Victims of Rainey Street deaths
Josh Gale, a friend of one of the victims, expressed concern to officials about the recent deaths. "Since the last time we spoke, once again, another body has been pulled out of Lady Bird Lake. I don't know how we can speed this up, to put in the requests, to get these to stop," he said.
The latest victim, John Christopher Hays-Clark, 30, was found dead near a dam located two miles down the river from where other victims were discovered. Other victims include Jonathan Honey, 33, whose body was found on April 1, Clifton Axtell, 40, whose body was found on March 5, and Jason John, 30, whose body was found in February in Lady Bird Lake after he was last seen on Rainey Street.