Austin Lady Bird Lake 38 Bodies Found, Serial Killer Fears Grow

Since 2022, 38 bodies—mostly men—have been recovered from Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, sparking widespread fears of a possible serial killer targeting young men who frequent the city's nightlife areas. Despite these concerns, the Austin Police Department (APD) has stated that only one death was ruled a homicide, with the majority attributed to accidental drownings, suicides, drug overdoses, and natural causes, and no evidence of foul play found in recent cases. The most recent body found is believed to be a 17-year-old kayaker who went missing after reportedly falling into the lake, with authorities still confirming the identification. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman has cautioned that law enforcement's dismissal of a serial killer theory might be premature, highlighting how water can be used to conceal crimes and suggesting that date rape drugs could make victims vulnerable. Local authorities emphasize factors like the combination of alcohol and easy lake access after hours as contributing to the deaths but urge public caution without confirming any serial killer activity. The community remains on edge as calls grow for a more thorough investigation into the mysterious and repeated deaths at Lady Bird Lake.