Austin Texas Serial Killer? Stay Situationally Aware

Since 2022, 38 bodies have been found in or near Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. The most recent was recovered just earlier this month. On June 3, a teenage male kayaker was found two days after he swam into a deep part of the lake without a life jacket and disappeared under the water.

Many of the deaths in and around Lady Bird Lake have been attributed to accidental drownings. Other deaths have been ruled suicides and drug overdoses; only one death has been declared a homicide.

However, several cases remain unknown. Another disturbing fact is that 30 of the 38 bodies were males, 60% of which were between 30 and 49 years of age, leading many locals to suspect a serial killer, given serial killers usually target victims with specific characteristics — especially age and gender.

The Austin Police Department has insisted that no evidence supports the existence of a serial killer, but locals are not convinced. Several petitions for police to investigate drownings as potential homicides have been filed. Many believe that the proximity of Rainey Street, a nightlife hub with numerous bars and clubs, has led to men being drugged and lured to Lady Bird Lake where they were intentionally drowned.

While the city has implemented safety upgrades, including increased patrols, fencing, lighting, and cameras around the lake, APD has maintained that no serial killer is on the loose.