The discovery of yet another body in Austin’s Lady Bird Lake is reigniting fears of a potential serial killer among residents who remain troubled by a growing pattern of deaths.

Authorities in Austin have now recovered a total of 38 bodies from Lady Bird Lake since 2022, fueling speculation about foul play as many of the victims share alarming similarities in age, gender, and circumstances, Fox News reported.

The most recent case unfolded last month when a 911 caller reported seeing a body floating in the popular lake, located just off downtown Austin. Authorities later confirmed the deceased was a young male, wearing clothing that matched that of a 17-year-old reported missing two days earlier.

Prior to the discovery, the teen had reportedly exited his kayak without a life jacket, stepping into an underwater shelf and failing to resurface. His kayak, life vest, and backpack were eventually found, but he remained missing until the recovery.

The Austin Police Department stated there was no visible trauma to the recovered body and said foul play is not suspected. Identification is still pending as forensic examinations continue.

Public Speculation Challenges Police Narrative

This most recent death marks the seventh body found in the lake during 2024 alone. Since 2022, the majority of the 38 victims have been men, with around 60% falling between 30 and 49 years old.

The pattern has sparked growing concern among residents, particularly considering the similarities between victims and the popular nightlife setting nearby. Many of the deceased had last been seen near Rainey Street — a busy downtown hub known for its bars and weekend activity.

In 2023, the bodies of Jason John, 30, and Jonathan Honey, 33, were both discovered in the lake shortly after visiting Rainey Street. Their cases garnered attention due to the short window between their disappearances and when they were found dead.

Expert Weighs in on Unexplained Trends

Despite police insisting that most cases have been accidental drownings, some forensic experts are urging further scrutiny. Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and legal expert, has warned against dismissing the possibility of a serial offender.

“Unless law enforcement finds some other explanation for the large number of deaths in and around Lady Bird Lake in recent years, then I think that the likelihood of a serial killer cannot be ignored,” Lieberman said.

She argued that “the fact that 30 of the 38 bodies found in and around Lady Bird Lake since 2022 are male does suggest that this could be the work of a serial killer whose preferred target is men.”

Police Attribute Deaths to Environmental Factors

Authorities, however, have continued to maintain that their investigations have found no evidence of coordinated criminal activity. The APD said in a statement that these incidents have involved a variety of factors, including mental health challenges, medical emergencies, substance abuse, and inability to swim.

Police have also emphasized that alcohol consumption combined with the lake’s many access points may increase the risk of accidental drownings. The APD highlighted how many of the incidents occurred after park hours when visibility and supervision are limited.

“All of these incidents have been thoroughly investigated,” the department stated. “The vast majority have been determined to involve non-criminal explanations.”

Dr. Lieberman Cites Challenges in Water-Based Cases

Dr. Lieberman raised concerns about how water environments complicate investigations. “Murderers can use drowning as their modus operandi,” she said, pointing out that autopsies may miss subtle signs of foul play, especially when decomposition is advanced.

She also suggested that drugging could play a role, especially among individuals targeted in nightlife districts. “Date-rape drugs could render them easy prey for a thief and killer,” she cautioned.

The psychiatrist added that water currents can move a body far from where someone entered, which may also hinder investigations and lead to misunderstandings about what actually occurred.

Community Remains Divided as Investigations Continue

While no conclusive link has been proven among the 38 deaths, approximately half a dozen cases remain unresolved or have undetermined causes of death. Only one case has been officially classified as a homicide since 2022.

Still, public concern remains high, especially given the frequency and unusually consistent profile of many of the victims. Some community members have criticized police for downplaying their concerns, arguing that they feel unsafe.

The APD continues its patrol of Rainey Street and surrounding lake areas, given the recurring connections between the nightlife district and victims’ last known whereabouts. Officials encourage visitors to stay aware, especially after dark, and to avoid entering the lake outside of legal hours.