AUSTIN, Texas — A study conducted by Texas State University in cooperation with the Austin Police Department (APD) has found no credible evidence supporting social media theories that a serial killer is responsible for drownings in Lady Bird Lake.

The study, released Tuesday by Texas State's Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, analyzed 189 drowning cases between 2004 and 2025. Investigators concluded there was “neither direct evidence nor indirect warning signs of a serial murderer.”

"The frequency of drowning incidents in Austin is consistent with historical patterns, average drowning risk in Texas, and population growth," the study states. "A number of prior years have experienced more drownings than 2023 when allegations of a serial killer began to escalate."

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