Authorities Probe Serial Killer Rumors in New England

Authorities in New England are investigating the death of a woman found off a bike path in Springfield, Massachusetts, bringing the total number of bodies found across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island since March to eight, with most of the victims being women. Widespread rumors and speculation about a possible serial killer have grown, especially within an online Facebook group of over 65,000 members focused on potential connections between the cases. Law enforcement agencies from multiple states, including the Springfield Police and Connecticut State Police, emphasize there is currently no evidence linking the deaths or indicating a threat to the public. Forensic scientist Peter Valentin has noted the unusually high number of remains found in a short period but cautions that the cases may not be related and that much information remains undisclosed. Authorities are waiting for autopsy results for the latest victim and continue to urge the public not to draw conclusions from internet speculation. Investigations into each case are ongoing.