As fear continues to grip communities across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, speculation is mounting about the possibility of a serial killer operating in New England.
In a span of just two months, eight bodies — most of them women — have been found across multiple towns in the region, the New York Post reports.
From water recoveries to skeletal remains in suitcases, the eerie similarities and tight timeline have stirred up public anxiety and online rumors.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know so far about the discoveries, investigations, and the growing theory that a serial killer could be behind the string of deaths.
The Bodies: Who, Where, and When?
1. Paige Aliehs Fannon – Norwalk River, Connecticut (March 6)As reported by the Daily Mail, Paige Fannon, a 35-year-old from West Islip, New York, was reported missing on March 5. Her body was recovered the next day by a police scuba team from the Norwalk River.
Her personal belongings were found on the riverbank. Police have not yet determined the cause of her death, but New Haven police officer Christian Bruckhart has told MassLive that although "we know that [serial killers] exist [...] there's no indication there was any homicide" in Fannon's case.
2. Human Skull – Plymouth, Massachusetts (March 6)That same day, a hunter in Plymouth discovered what was initially believed to be an animal bone. It turned out to be the top half of a human skull. The jaw and nasal area were missing.
No identity, age, or cause of death has yet been confirmed.
3. Unidentified Woman – Groton, Connecticut (March 19)Police discovered a woman’s remains inside a suitcase near a cemetery. Authorities estimate she was between 40 and 60 years old and had features associated with Turner syndrome, per WTNH.
No identification has been made.
4. Denise Leary – New Haven, Connecticut (March 20)The decomposed body of 59-year-old Denise Leary was found in a wooded area behind Rock Creek Road. Missing since September, she had a history of mental illness. Police have not determined whether foul play was involved.
Romano, 56, went missing eight months prior. Her body was found in a wooded area off Plainfield Pike, per WJAR.
A friend, John Michelotti, insisted: “She didn’t just die and end up in the woods. Someone has to be held accountable.” Despite this, her family later stated on Facebook: “Michele’s passing is in no way related to any type of serial killer," as concerns about a potential serial killer grew.
Connecticut State Police discovered human remains but have not confirmed the victim’s age, gender, or cause of death.
7. Decomposed Body – Framingham, Massachusetts (April 10)Firefighters found additional remains believed to have been there for several months. Identification has not yet been made public.
8. Unresponsive Woman – Springfield, Massachusetts (April 22)Police found a woman unresponsive near a bike path. She was declared dead at the scene. The SPD Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit are investigating pending an autopsy.
Is There a Pattern? The Case for a Serial Killer
The quick succession of body discoveries — most of which involve women — has led many to believe a serial killer may be active across the tri-state area.
Social media speculation, particularly from a Facebook group initially named "New England Serial Killer," has helped fuel the theory. That group has since grown to over 65,000 members, although its name was changed following Facebook’s content rules and requests from victims' families.
A related group describes “sinister shadows lurking in the Southern New England tri-state area,” saying the community is “gripped by fear and uncertainty.”
Searches for “New England serial killer” spiked on Google in early April, showing how widely this theory has spread online.
Expert Perspective
Peter Valentin, Chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital the details are “curious.”
Speaking on the Springfield case, Valentin said: “If someone is in full rigor mortis, there is no need to try to find a pulse... So this is a very recent death, unlike the others that are being attributed to the [New England] serial killer.”
He also raised concerns about media and police being overly cautious, adding: “It is filled with very cautious language (surely taken right from police press releases), which might be intentional to not feed into what is now turning into intense scrutiny over every suspicious death in New England.”
What Are Police Saying?
Authorities have consistently pushed back on claims of a serial killer. Ryan Walsh, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, said: “Internet rumors are just that.”
Connecticut State Police echoed this, stating: “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.”
New Haven Police Officer Christian Bruckhart addressed the speculation more philosophically: “A serial killer is this almost mythical figure in the zeitgeist... But I can only speak to my department’s investigation, in the missing person case, that there’s no indication there was any homicide.”
What Happens Next?
At least four of the identified victims — Fannon, Leary, Romano, and the woman in Groton — were women. Several of the bodies remain unidentified and are in various stages of decomposition, making it difficult to determine when they died or if their cases are connected.
Autopsies and ongoing investigations may bring more clarity. Until then, communities remain on edge and authorities are urging the public not to jump to conclusions.