Latest news with #LadyBirdLake
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'
The waters of a Texas lake remain shrouded in mystery as dozens of young men's bodies continue to be pulled from the depths, putting a community on edge as rumors of a serial killer continue to swirl. Last month, authorities discovered yet another man's body in Austin's Lady Bird Lake, bringing the total count to a whopping 38 individuals recovered from the waters since 2022. Officials responded to an early-morning 911 call reporting a body in the water and subsequently located the deceased man, the Austin Police Department (APD) said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Body Found In Same Austin Lake Where 6 Other Deceased Individuals Were Found In 2024 There was no trauma to the body, and police do not suspect foul play was involved, the APD said. The department is currently working to determine whether the body recovered is a 17-year-old male reported missing two days earlier. The teen's family called police after he got out of his kayak without wearing a life jacket and subsequently disappeared while enjoying a day on the lake, authorities said. Investigators believe he had unknowingly stepped on an underwater shelf and failed to resurface after his kayak was later recovered with his backpack and life jacket still inside. Read On The Fox News App Police revealed that the individual found in the lake was wearing the same clothing as the missing teenager, but identification is pending. APD did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment regarding the community's fears surrounding a serial killer. Austin Serial Killer Fears: Police Pull Car From Lady Bird Lake The discovery comes as fears of a serial killer lurking in the community's midst continue to loom over the area, with local authorities continuing to downplay the risk. "The denials by law enforcement and other authorities that these cases are murders or the work of a serial killer are premature," Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and expert trial witness, told Fox News Digital. "They don't want the public to panic about a possible serial killer, so they are making light of all the deaths." Since 2022, at least 38 bodies have been recovered in or around Lady Bird Lake, according to data obtained by Fox 7. Of the nearly three dozen bodies found, 30 have reportedly been men, with approximately 60 percent between 30 and 49 years old. Is There A New England Serial Killer? Former Fbi Agent With Regional Ties Reveals His Theory Despite local authorities' insistence that there is no ongoing risk to the public, Lieberman points to the sheer amount of consistencies among the victims' ages and gender. "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," Lieberman said. "If the deaths were simply due to accidental drowning or suicide, there would not be a preponderance of one gender over the other." One common theory circulating throughout the community suggests the deaths are a result of date-rape drugs slipped into the drinks of victims visiting bars on nearby Rainey Street – a popular hotspot for partying near the water. Body Of Missing Father Of Five Found In Georgia Lake After Kayaking Trip In February 2023, the body of Jason John, 30, was pulled from the lake one week after he was last seen on Rainey Street. Two months later, Jonathan Honey, 33, was found one day after he was last seen visiting a food truck parked on the popular street. "[Date-rape drugs] could render them easy prey for a thief and killer," Lieberman said. "Older men could similarly be easy prey." Throughout the past three years, the primary cause of death of the bodies pulled from Lady Bird Lake has been attributed to accidental drownings, Fox 7 reported. Suicide reportedly remains the second leading cause, as well as natural causes and drug overdoses. New England Serial Killer Fears: Massachusetts Investigators Identify Body Pulled From River Of the 38 deaths, only one has been ruled a murder – with roughly half a dozen cases remaining unknown. "One cannot rule out that a so-called 'accidental' drowning isn't the result of a murderer unless there were witnesses," Lieberman told Fox News Digital. "Murderers can use drowning as their [modus operandi]. Similarly, suicides must be proven, not just assumed if someone has been depressed." Additionally, Lieberman pointed to the attractiveness of disposing human remains in bodies of water. SIGN UP TO GET True Crime Newsletter "Water can cause decomposition of the body and can wash away evidence, from fingerprints to DNA," Lieberman said. "If the water has movement, such as a river or stream, it can propel the body far from the actual scene of the crime, making it more complicated to find the killer. Some killers choose water-based crime scenes with the hopes that their murder will be misconstrued as drowning, which can make it harder, because it can be difficult to differentiate drowning from murder." In a 2023 statement, APD looked to quell the public's fears surrounding the possibility of a serial killer targeting men in the area, citing the lake's dangerous conditions when mixed with alcohol. Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X "One common theme of the drownings in Austin [in 2023] is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points," the department said. Police pointed out that the vast majority of deaths at the time occurred after the park's closing time and encouraged community members to be mindful of local rules. Click Here For The Fox News App However, as more and more victims continue to fall to the waters of Lady Bird Lake, Lieberman calls on authorities to not turn a blind eye to the morbid coincidences surrounding the deaths. "Unless law enforcement finds some other explanation for the large number of deaths in and around Lady Bird Lake in recent years," Lieberman said. "Then I think that the likelihood of a serial killer cannot be ignored." Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this report. Original article source: Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'
Fox News
05-07-2025
- Fox News
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'
The waters of a Texas lake remain shrouded in mystery as dozens of young men's bodies continue to be pulled from the depths, putting a community on edge as rumors of a serial killer continue to swirl. Last month, authorities discovered yet another man's body in Austin's Lady Bird Lake, bringing the total count to a whopping 38 individuals recovered from the waters since 2022. Officials responded to an early-morning 911 call reporting a body in the water and subsequently located the deceased man, the Austin Police Department (APD) said in a statement to Fox News Digital. There was no trauma to the body, and police do not suspect foul play was involved, the APD said. The department is currently working to determine whether the body recovered is a 17-year-old male reported missing two days earlier. The teen's family called police after he got out of his kayak without wearing a life jacket and subsequently disappeared while enjoying a day on the lake, authorities said. Investigators believe he had unknowingly stepped on an underwater shelf and failed to resurface after his kayak was later recovered with his backpack and life jacket still inside. Police revealed that the individual found in the lake was wearing the same clothing as the missing teenager, but identification is pending. APD did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment regarding the community's fears surrounding a serial killer. The discovery comes as fears of a serial killer lurking in the community's midst continue to loom over the area, with local authorities continuing to downplay the risk. "The denials by law enforcement and other authorities that these cases are murders or the work of a serial killer are premature," Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and expert trial witness, told Fox News Digital. "They don't want the public to panic about a possible serial killer, so they are making light of all the deaths." Since 2022, at least 38 bodies have been recovered in or around Lady Bird Lake, according to data obtained by Fox 7. Of the nearly three dozen bodies found, 30 have reportedly been men, with approximately 60 percent between 30 and 49 years old. Despite local authorities' insistence that there is no ongoing risk to the public, Lieberman points to the sheer amount of consistencies among the victims' ages and gender. "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," Lieberman said. "If the deaths were simply due to accidental drowning or suicide, there would not be a preponderance of one gender over the other." One common theory circulating throughout the community suggests the deaths are a result of date-rape drugs slipped into the drinks of victims visiting bars on nearby Rainey Street – a popular hotspot for partying near the water. In February 2023, the body of Jason John, 30, was pulled from the lake one week after he was last seen on Rainey Street. Two months later, Jonathan Honey, 33, was found one day after he was last seen visiting a food truck parked on the popular street. "[Date-rape drugs] could render them easy prey for a thief and killer," Lieberman said. "Older men could similarly be easy prey." Throughout the past three years, the primary cause of death of the bodies pulled from Lady Bird Lake has been attributed to accidental drownings, Fox 7 reported. Suicide reportedly remains the second leading cause, as well as natural causes and drug overdoses. Of the 38 deaths, only one has been ruled a murder – with roughly half a dozen cases remaining unknown. "One cannot rule out that a so-called 'accidental' drowning isn't the result of a murderer unless there were witnesses," Lieberman told Fox News Digital. "Murderers can use drowning as their [modus operandi]. Similarly, suicides must be proven, not just assumed if someone has been depressed." Additionally, Lieberman pointed to the attractiveness of disposing human remains in bodies of water. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "Water can cause decomposition of the body and can wash away evidence, from fingerprints to DNA," Lieberman said. "If the water has movement, such as a river or stream, it can propel the body far from the actual scene of the crime, making it more complicated to find the killer. Some killers choose water-based crime scenes with the hopes that their murder will be misconstrued as drowning, which can make it harder, because it can be difficult to differentiate drowning from murder." In a 2023 statement, APD looked to quell the public's fears surrounding the possibility of a serial killer targeting men in the area, citing the lake's dangerous conditions when mixed with alcohol. "One common theme of the drownings in Austin [in 2023] is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points," the department said. Police pointed out that the vast majority of deaths at the time occurred after the park's closing time and encouraged community members to be mindful of local rules. However, as more and more victims continue to fall to the waters of Lady Bird Lake, Lieberman calls on authorities to not turn a blind eye to the morbid coincidences surrounding the deaths. "Unless law enforcement finds some other explanation for the large number of deaths in and around Lady Bird Lake in recent years," Lieberman said. "Then I think that the likelihood of a serial killer cannot be ignored."
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Yahoo
People Think There's A Serial Killer Loose In Texas Right Now — Here's Why
Are you into dark and creepy things? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get a weekly post with topics just like this delivered directly to your inbox. Recently, rumors of a serial killer in Austin, Texas started gaining traction (again) when a teenage boy's body was pulled from the area's Lady Bird Lake on June 3. Although authorities claim the boy's death was not "suspicious," it was enough to make people in the area (and the internet) bring up the "Rainey Street Ripper" — a moniker that's been given by locals to a suspected killer in Austin. Here's the story: the past three years, 19 corpses have been found in Lady Bird Lake (which is actually a reservoir) in Austin, Texas. you should know that swimming has actually been banned in Lady Bird Lake since 1964. However, kayaking and paddleboarding are allowed. According to KVUE, the reservoir contains a lot of construction debris from old bridges, concrete, and rebar, as well as junk like shopping carts and even needles. Also, untreated water runoff from the city can pollute the reservoir with things like oil and gasoline. to My San Antonio, bodies have actually been found in Lady Bird Lake for a long, long time, dating back to when it was called "Town Lake" back in the '60s. what really shook locals, was that in 2022, a "cluster" of six bodies were found. The victims were Rocael Lopez, Ricky Parks, Amos Olatayo, Christopher Gutierrez, Kyle Thornton, and Josue Moreno. Interestingly, they reportedly all had similar features. in 2023, five more bodies were found, again, all men. It was reported that each had gone missing after having a night out on the nearby Rainey Street, which is a popular nightlife area with many bars, music venues, and food trucks. Related: Well, Well, Well, For The Second Time In 2 Weeks, People Are Letting JD Vance Know EXACTLY How They Feel About Him In Public moniker "Rainey Street Ripper" was given by locals to this believed serial killer because of Lady Bird Lake's proximity to Rainey Street. according to My San Antonio, the Austin Police Department has said, "There is no evidence to support that these deaths are suspicious in any way. The vast majority of the cases either involve someone suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, or a medical issue." locals have not been satisfied with the APD's statements, with many apparently "suspicious" of police. fact, there is a Facebook group, The Lady Bird Lake Serial Killer, which was created in February 2023 and has over 92,000 members. Related: This Dem Lawmaker Is Going Viral For His Extremely Shady Question To Secretary Kristi Noem former Austin resident (and YouTuber) Colin Browen believes the APD is "a very strange organization," and even started a petition in 2024, asking the APD to "acknowledge that the Austin drownings may not be accidents." The petition has over 6,000 signatures. In the petition, it states they are asking for: 1.) Install proper lighting, trail cameras, and safety barricades along Lady Bird Lake. 2.) Reopen cases that have been categorized as "accidents" and investigate them as "criminal incidents." to Browen's petition, none of the deaths that have been deemed "accidents" by police have been "thoroughly investigated as more than that — an 'accident.'" further says, "I have spoken to multiple family members of victims who believe that their loved ones were targeted and or murdered by a person or persons that is currently operating in the Austin city area. There is a belief amongst family members of victims that their loved ones were drugged before their deaths (another possibility that the APD refuses to acknowledge)." petition also highlights what Browen alleges are "inconsistent autopsy reports, misleading toxicology reports, unexplained injuries, unexplained routes of victim travel, and leads that were never properly investigated." more fuel to the suspicion fire, in the last few years, several young men have been found either beaten to near death or actually killed on a trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake that is poorly lit and has no surveillance cameras. The lack of lighting and security cameras is actually an issue that victims' friends and families have brought up to lawmakers many times. example, in 2018, 25-year-old Martin Gutierrez disappeared from that trail and was found a week later, dead, in Lady Bird Lake. According to his brother, Martin had "decided to go out with some friends on Rainey Street, and he never came back." 2019, 21-year-old Christian Pugh was found "barely alive" at Lady Bird Lake after having a night out with friends on Rainey Street days before. Although he was found on the opposite side of the lake (from Rainey Street) and his injuries were bad enough to put him in a coma, the APD said that he "fell from the bridge in a 'tragic accident.'" However, Pugh's family believes he was thrown into the lake from a nearby bridge. 2022, 29-year-old Joshua Crow had been riding his bike on that trail when he reportedly died from "blunt force trauma to the head and chest." According to his family, he'd been on his way to work at a bar on Rainey Street. February 2023, 30-year-old Jason John went missing after a night out with friends and was found dead in Lady Bird Lake eight days later. According to the autopsy reports, he was found "fully dressed with all his personal property, including his wallet and phone, in his pockets." His death, like the other ones, was ruled an accident by the police. then, in April 2023, 33-year-old Jonathan Honey was pulled from Lady Bird Lake. Joney had been in town for a bachelor party when he initially went missing on March 31. The medical examiner's office ruled that Honey died from drowning and that the death was accidental. What do you think? Is it possible there's a serial killer active in Austin, Texas? Are all of these deaths truly "accidental," or do you think authorities (or someone) need to investigate this high number of deaths further? Are you someone who lives in Austin and have thoughts about it? Sound off in the comments below. Do you like going down dark rabbit holes like this? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get a weekly post with topics just like this delivered directly to your inbox. Also in In the News: This Conservative Said He Wears A Fake ICE Uniform For A Really, Really, Really Gross Reason Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week Also in In the News: "Let Them Eat Teslas": People At The "No Kings" Protests This Weekend Brought Signs That Were So Clever I'm Still Laughing About Them
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Disturbing theory emerges after Austin police pulled 19 bodies from a lake and sparked serial killer rumors
A new theory has emerged about why 19 bodies have ended up in the lake running through one of America's most popular and trendy cities. The rising death toll in Austin, Texas, has fueled speculation about a possible serial killer targeting victims and dumping them in Lady Bird Lake - the body of water that cuts through the heart of the city just south of the bustling Rainey Street entertainment district.
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Hyatt Regency Austin Embarks on a Property-Wide Transformation
Hyatt Regency Austin, the full-service hotel located in the heart of downtown Austin, has embarked on a full-hotel renovation of the property, with completion expected in September 2025. The hotel remains open during the refresh, with the reimagined spaces reopening in phases. Nestled on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the property renovation includes a comprehensive redesign of the hotel's 448 guestrooms and suites, corridors, meeting facilities, and public spaces throughout the property. The refresh will also include the addition of two guestrooms, with one being a luxurious suite with a balcony displaying views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline. A rebrand of dining venues will introduce a new signature restaurant, Ripple & Roots, containing a lounge with an indoor-outdoor bar experience and a patio on Lady Bird Lake, and the new Juniper Breeze Market. At the onset of the transformation process, Hyatt Regency Austin reopened a newly remodeled outdoor pool and cabanas, which will remain accessible throughout the renovation. Lobby and Corridors Anchored by the hotel's soaring atrium, the revitalized lobby will welcome guests with new reception pods, set against a bold installation that juxtaposes the wild beauty of Austin's landscapes with the striking silhouettes of its urban skyline. Crafted out of perforated powder-coated bronze metal and backlit with a light-changing LED, the visual display will epitomize the unique blend of city vibrancy and tranquil nature represented throughout the hotel. Expanded seating will allow for guests to relax in the lobby, where a glass terrarium of sculptural cactus adds an element of serenity. The monochromatic redesign of the guestroom corridors will offer seamless connectivity to each other and the public spaces below, with each door entrance linked by subtle line drawings and connected through carpeting with contrasting geometric patterns. Panels showcasing Austin's natural world and musical identity will line the walls, depicting the beauty of bluebonnets and wildflowers intertwined with the rhythmic motion of hands playing instruments. Accommodations Hyatt Regency Austin will unveil elegantly transformed rooms that reflect the city's artistic vibes and natural elements through modern design. The refreshed design embraces an intuitive, uncluttered aesthetic defined by warm beige neutrals and organic textures, enriched with dark patina metals and warm-toned quartz. Each guest room will offer a sense of openness heightened by a completely new lighting scheme, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. New headboard walls will feature the same layered composition as the corridor panels, bringing a sense of tranquil unity to the rooms while still honoring the city's lively spirit. Ideal for guests traveling for both business and leisure, guests will find a dedicated lounge space in the king and double queen rooms, complete with a chaise with table for flexible use, in addition to the existing desks. A new luggage bench, desk chair, and table lamp will illuminate the space and add comfort to the existing TV shelf and a redesigned beverage center. Maintaining views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake, the renovated rooms will provide a calming yet revitalizing stay. Restaurants and Market Adjacent to the reception area, the new Ripple & Roots restaurant will bring a refined yet approachable dining experience to Hyatt Regency Austin, inspired by centuries of diverse Texas culinary traditions. With influences from Native American, Old South, Latin, and Asian cuisines, the menu will highlight locally sourced ingredients that represent a sophisticated blend of flavors. The restaurant is designed to create an elevated yet comfortable atmosphere, with high ceilings and sculptural banquettes offering a balanced sense of scale and intimacy, while strategic lighting will transition the space from sunlit daytime meals to moody, evening dining. The layout will provide a stylish setting for both quiet dinners and dynamic gatherings, with a private dining room named Waterloo—paying homage to Austin's original name — between the restaurant and the lounge. Connected to the lounge area through a new indoor-outdoor bar experience via retractable glass wall, the Patio will provide an immersive, all-day experience framed by a panoramic lakefront setting and views of the Austin skyline. Designed with comfort and connection in mind, the space will serve as a social hub, blending the outdoor environs with contemporary style. Lush greenery and trees surround the patio, providing a shaded oasis that offers cozy corners for quiet morning reflection and ample seating for a lively afternoon with friends, family, or colleagues. Juniper Breeze Market will offer nourishing meals, snacks or beverages—including specialty coffee drinks—prepared by the hotel's culinary team, along with a selection of products from local small businesses, for guests and locals alike. Named after the indigenous juniper trees that dot the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake, the brand new market's design will highlight the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Austin while incorporating subtle nods to the city's history. Through streamlined materials to create a simple, functional layout, the market will serve as a convenient location for both productivity and relaxation. Pools and Cabanas At the beginning of the renovation, Hyatt Regency Austin introduced newly designed private cabanas to the outdoor pool area, providing a luxurious element of comfort available for both guests and locals. Accommodating groups of up to six people, those who book the cabanas can upgrade their social and lounge experiences with Ripple & Roots patio service, in addition to top-tier amenities. Meetings and Events With its central location in downtown Austin and more than 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, the transformed Hyatt Regency Austin will strengthen its position as a leading destination for events. The hotel's newly renovated venues, including the Zilker, Texas, and Foothills Ballrooms, will provide a wide range of choice for event planners. A unique covered outdoor reception area, the Zilker Terrace, seamlessly extends off the Zilker Skywalk. Enhanced by a selection of diverse food and beverage experiences, the spaces are equipped with modern amenities and bespoke support services. While certain areas will showcase sweeping views of Downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake—such as the new and aptly named Lady Bird meeting room on the second floor—intimate corners will allow for one-to-one conversations in the Zilker Ballroom foyer. Hyatt Regency Austin remains open for guests throughout the course of the renovation. For more information or to book a visit at Hyatt Regency Austin, visit or call (512) 477-1234 to speak with a reservation specialist. Hotel website
