Everything we know about 19 bodies pulled

Residents of Austin, Texas, are growing concerned that a serial killer—dubbed the “Rainey Street Ripper”—may be at large after 19 bodies were recovered from Lady Bird Lake in just three years. The lake, which runs near the city’s nightlife hotspot Rainey Street, has become a recurring scene of body discoveries since 2022. Despite fears, police have confirmed only one case as homicide, while several other deaths remain unexplained. Authorities believe alcohol and easy nighttime access to the lake are key factors, not foul play. They’ve repeatedly stated there’s no evidence linking the cases to a serial killer.

Among those fueling speculation is Jeff Jones, who claims he survived an attack in 2023. While attending a bachelor party, he was found injured beneath a bridge with traces of a date-rape drug in his system. Jones fell into a coma and required surgery, but later recovered, calling himself lucky to have survived. Meanwhile, police stress that each case is being carefully investigated with the help of the medical examiner, and that most drownings occurred after park hours. They continue to urge the public to avoid the lake at night and follow park rules.