Authorities in New England recently found a body behind a Massachusetts school, raising suspicions of foul play, and adding to a grim list of deaths in the area since February.
Stephen Myers, a 39-year-old man, was discovered at a construction site early on Wednesday morning near Bristol Plymouth High School in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Officials clarified that there was no connection between Myers and the school itself.
Bristol Plymouth High School confirmed to WPRI that there was no threat to students or staff and that the school building remained accessible.
In the backdrop of this discovery, concerns about a potential serial killer have surfaced on social media, although law enforcement insists there’s no current evidence linking these deaths in New England.
Since February, Myers marks the twelfth body found in the region. For instance, another victim, 51-year-old Samuel Stoval, was found in Taunton on March 25, yet authorities did not view his death as suspicious.
In early March, detectives uncovered the body of 35-year-old Pagefanon in the Norwalk River in Connecticut, and 45-year-old Megan Meridis was found in Springfield on March 22. Earlier that month, a human skull surfaced in a Plymouth wooded area, although further details are scarce.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Garni addressed reporters and downplayed worries about a serial killer. He urged the public to consider how social media might amplify fears without factual basis, noting that unverified claims can disrupt ongoing investigations.
Former D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams indicated that detectives haven’t dismissed any theories yet, stating they’re still gathering evidence. He mentioned a focus on making connections between the various death scenes.
Yet, Williams also added a note of caution, suggesting that some deaths may not actually be crime-related. It’s a complex situation, and investigators are trying their best to provide the public with relevant information.
However, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden seemed skeptical about seeing a clear pattern in these cases, mentioning that it’s difficult to draw conclusions from the information at hand.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how authorities will proceed and what additional insights might arise.
