Presumed accidental, drowned young College men Victims?

[Woodsman]

Some time ago there was a thread concerning all of the young college men who were thought to have been intoxicated and accidentally drowned in various locals in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and I think Ohio.

Since I couldn’t find that thread, I thought this new investigation which has now been revealed worthy of a thread.

Most of us speculated it could be one or more murderers involved.





http://kstp.com/article/stories/S421846.shtml?cat=1&v=1

DETECTIVES: Chris Jenkins murder connects dozens around country

Could there be a calculated, cross-country plot to kill young college men, including some in Minnesota? It seems a little hard to believe, but two New York detectives say, they can prove it.

Now, they are revealing years of their evidence for the first time to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

University of Minnesota college student Chris Jenkins was found in the Mississippi River in February of 2003.

Minneapolis Police began investigating the case, which also caught the attention of two retired NYPD detectives.

Turns out, Jenkins' death was the missing part of the puzzle for Kevin Gannon and Anthony Duarte.

They think Jenkins connects dozens of other deaths around the country over the last decade. The stories are the same all over the country--an athletic, intelligent, well-liked college student goes missing.

Family and friends launch a massive search. Weeks or months later, the young man is discovered drowned. In more than 40 cases, the deaths are blamed on a drunken accident--except for one.

The death of Chris Jenkins in Minneapolis is the only one


"The level of evil we are dealing with here is rampant, it's deep and it's widespread," Chris' mother Jan Jenkins told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS
where the cause of death was changed from 'undetermined' or 'drowning' to 'homicide.'

"I can honestly tell you that I've walked every step of the way and it is hard for me to believe," Chris' mother Jan Jenkins told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. "The level of evil we are dealing with here is rampant, it's deep and it's widespread."

Because of extensive investigation by Duarte and Gannon, Jan Jenkins now says she knows exactly what happened to her son on the night he disappeared, Oct. 31, 2002.

"Chris was abducted in a cargo van," she said. "He was driven around Minneapolis for hours and tortured. He was taken down to the Mississippi River and he was murdered. And after that, his body was positioned and taken to a different spot and then to a different point in the Mississippi River."

Gannon and Duarte say they've discovered a link between Jenkins' death and the drownings of at least 40 other men in 25 cities in 11 different states.

It began in New York

The investigation started 11 years ago in New York when then-Sgt. Gannon made a promise to the parents of Patrick McNeill.

Patrick McNeill was last seen at a New York City bar in 1997. His body was found 50 days later, 11 miles downriver.


"We knew it wasn't suicide," said Patrick McNeil's mother Jackie McNeill
"We knew it wasn't suicide," said Patrick McNeill's mother Jackie McNeill. "It was one of those things where he walked out and was never seen again."

One of the only things comforting the McNeill's is Gannon, a decorated officer with a long history in the New York City Police Department.

"I told them I would never give up on the case," Gannon told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. When Gannon retired, he devoted his life to keeping his promise to the McNeill's.

"We've been doing this on our own, our own finances" Gannon explained. "We've never taken a penny from any of the families. I personally have mortgaged my own home to investigate this."

According to Gannon's ally, Duarte, this is almost 'a perfect crime' because the water washes away any physical evidence and there are never any witnesses. Almost all of the men are last seen by friends leaving a bar or college party.


"I think it is a serial killer, but not one individual," Anthony Duarte said
Local police have investigated the deaths and the FBI has even taken a look at the cases.

In every case except for the Jenkins case, local law enforcement has ruled the death an accident.

"I think it is a serial killer, but not one individual," Duarte said."I would just say, a group of individuals, probably located in more than one state," Duarte said, adding that he thinks they may kill again.

'Sick Signature'

Gannon and Duarte have done something that no other law enforcement agency has ever done in this case--they looked at the big picture and visited each site where the young man disappeared.

While most local investigations focused on where a body was recovered, Gannon and Duarte tried to figure out where the body went into the river.


City after city, when they'd find the spot where the body went into the water, they would find something else: The symbol of a smiley face
City after city, when they'd find the spot where the body went in, they would find something else: The symbol of a smiley face.

"It's very disturbing," Duarte said.

The paint color and size of the face varies, but the detectives are convinced that it's a sick signature the killers leave behind.

They found one eight years ago in Wisconsin and then others in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. Then most recently, they believe they've found one in Iowa.

In Michigan, they found something strange among the groups graffiti, the word 'Sinsiniwa.' They couldn't figure out what it meant until a few months later when they arrived in Dubuque, Iowa to investigate the death of Matt Kruziki.

His body was found on Sinsiniwa Avenue. Plus, they've discovered the nicknames of people in the group at more than one location.

Two years ago, already entrenched in their investigation, Gannon and Duarte came to Minnesota. They connected with St. Cloud State College Professor Lee Gilbertson.

Gilbertson had challenged his criminology students to search for patterns in the 11 disappearances of Minnesota and Wisconsin college students.

Why go public?

Gannon and Duarte are now confident they've discovered a nationwide criminal enterprise.

The detectives say they have to go public to 'protect the innocent and prosecute the guilty.'

"If nothing else, we have to warn the families and the young individuals so that no one else becomes a victim," Gannon said.


"If nothing else, we have to warn the families and the young individuals so that no one else becomes a victim," Kevin Gannon told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Added Duarte: "Other kids are at risk, yes, it's very frustrating."

Gannon and Duarte want their investigation to prompt changes in the way drownings are investigated.

They say medical examiners frequently don't even consider murder when looking at the body of a drowning victim.

The detectives requested that 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS hold back some key details of the murders such as motive and the identities of the informants. They hope that information will someday be used to file criminal charges.

They have already taken all of this evidence in the Jenkins case to Minneapolis Police and Hennepin County prosecutors--so why haven't they taken action?

[sisyphus3]

I saw a link to a story from a Minnesota news station's piece on these crimes on rense.com, after having heard a long discussion of the crimes on Coast To Coast AM.

On reviewing the material, I was struck by a singular parallel to a long-defunct MTV series, "Buzzkill". Buzzkill's logo was a smiley face inside crosshairs.

http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~vwaluch/index.html

Smiley face graffiti has been found at crime scenes.

The pilot episode of Buzzkill included a segment called "Free Shuttle" at which drunk spring breakers were offered a 5 minute ride in a van that turned into a two hour odyssey during which the spring breakers gradually came to realize that they had apparently fallen in with violent criminals, and the spring breakers' furtive conversations about their predicament were captured by hidden cameras and microphones.

This was very memorable--even disturbing--television (I'm 45, caught it by accident when it first ran in mid-'96, and I still remember it vividly). It also appears to pre-date the first known murder by about a year, and being driven around in a van after being picked up while drunk appears to parallel the known M.O. The lure may not be that of a free shuttle, it may simply be a ride home from a newly-made friend.

I have no idea whether the detectives working this case have drawn these possible connections.

If the Buzzkill connection is real, I would imagine there would be video (and perhaps physical) trophies of the crimes, and perhaps they are being swapped around by a loose network of perpetrators.

[One2Snoop]

What a creepy thought sisyphus3. Have you thought about sharing this info with the detectives involved in this case?

[sisyphus3]

Originally Posted by One2Snoop

What a creepy thought sisyphus3. Have you thought about sharing this info with the detectives involved in this case?

I think it may be a little tenuous to start waving it in the faces of the investigators like I've found some key puzzle piece.

First I'd like to know whether others think it plausible to believe the show might have influenced some group to get started killing for thrills, and whether anyone thinks that the information, even if true, would actually aid the investigation? It might explain a thing or two, but how could it possibly put a detective on the trail of a particular individual or individuals?

[PHogge]

WoW! This makes logical & plausible sense to me. Sure wouldn't hurt to offer this possibility to the lead Detectives who are handling this case. I wonder why we haven't heard more on these cases. Are there links for each of these associated cases that we web-slueths could review to perhaps think of more possible connections? Are there Points of Contact in the Police Department, who are handling the overall history & coordination of all these cases thought to be associated to this group of serial killers. I have five sons & my heart breaks to think of the pain that these families are going through.

[Woodsman]

Originally Posted by sisyphus3

I think it may be a little tenuous to start waving it in the faces of the investigators like I've found some key puzzle piece.

First I'd like to know whether others think it plausible to believe the show might have influenced some group to get started killing for thrills, and whether anyone thinks that the information, even if true, would actually aid the investigation? It might explain a thing or two, but how could it possibly put a detective on the trail of a particular individual or individuals?

Sisyphus (and others) - if you haven't already I would suggest you go to the link I posted to KSTP TV. Much more info there. I thought I remember something being mentioned about 'Buzzkill', but maybe I'm wrong.

Speaking of "smileys". Remember that serial bomber in the Midwest a few year back. Planting various bombs in different locations. He wanted to complete a "Smiley Face" across two or three states in the center of the Country. Wonder where he is now?

[sisyphus3]

If Buzzkill came up, it came up deep in the supporting materials, perhaps mentioned by a witness or suspect. I have looked at them only in a cursory fashion for mentions of specific things that have been brought up by others.

The smiley face bomber has been discussed on another board. They threw a net over him in the '02 time frame and IIRC he was from Minneapolis. It might be good to run down all his associates on the speculation that there may have been a "Fight Club" (FC was discussed on another board as well) type competition to complete a smiley face first ... according to others (I haven't seen the movie) smileys figured prominently in the film. It's possible the bomber was making one while a killer was making another, each according to his own criminal proclivities.

[sisyphus3]

Not Minneapolis, Pine Island ... I misspoke.

[jwillx]

The article which one poster couldn't find, is "Only the River Knows", at http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/s...sin/index.html

One question which the author didn't address, is whether there have been reported incidents of drunken young men pushed into (cold water of) the river who survived?

The police would have covered this: Suppose there was a serial killer who just hunted for drunks near water and just pushed them in from behind? No bondage; no watching their eyes; just the control over their lives. If so, then some or most of them would have survived (except about five deaths), and some of the survivors should have reported it to police.

Why didn't the article author consider this?

[Serial Killer X]

Originally Posted by sisyphus3

I think it may be a little tenuous to start waving it in the faces of the investigators like I've found some key puzzle piece.

First I'd like to know whether others think it plausible to believe the show might have influenced some group to get started killing for thrills, and whether anyone thinks that the information, even if true, would actually aid the investigation? It might explain a thing or two, but how could it possibly put a detective on the trail of a particular individual or individuals?

Yer Show's And Movie's Can Influence People In Positive Or Negative Way's. It Wouldn't Solve The Case But It Might Help Establish a Potential Lead Nice Work Anyway Sisphus. IMO It Could Get The Group Started Killing For Thrill's. In The Uk A Game Called Manhunt Was Banned Cause It Influenced A Teenager To Stab His Younger Freind To Death.

[The R]

One thing I'd like to ask is does anyone know if all the victims were young, very promising, intelligent, and potential leaders?

It seems that this is the case from what I've heard so far.....looks like the victims are spead far apart geographically, so I'd suspect a group of some sort being involved.

If so, the question I'd have is this.....who would benefit the most from getting rid of some of America's promising young people?

Sleeper cell terrorist groups? Some kind of biker group? some subversive political movement?

Of course, if a serial could move around that much, the murders would also seem to fit a profile of someone who was unhappy or alienated and was taking it out on the promising individuals.

ALLMO,
R

[Serial Killer X]

Originally Posted by The R

One thing I'd like to ask is does anyone know if all the victims were young, very promising, intelligent, and potential leaders?

It seems that this is the case from what I've heard so far.....looks like the victims are spead far apart geographically, so I'd suspect a group of some sort being involved.

If so, the question I'd have is this.....who would benefit the most from getting rid of some of America's promising young people?

Sleeper cell terrorist groups? Some kind of biker group? some subversive political movement?

Of course, if a serial could move around that much, the murders would also seem to fit a profile of someone who was unhappy or alienated and was taking it out on the promising individuals.

ALLMO,
R

I'd Say It Would Be A Serial Killer Who Is Jealous Or Unhappy And Is Taking It Out On These Individual's As Mr R Just Said

[ccdogmuffin]

Hi, I'm new to the boards and this is my first posting!

I have been following the "Smiley Face Murders" case for a while now, has anyone heard the theory about the smiley faces left at the crime scenes and a comic book series from the 80s called Watchmen?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen

Not sure if there is any merit to it...

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

Hi, I'm new to the boards and this is my first posting!

I have been following the "Smiley Face Murders" case for a while now, has anyone heard the theory about the smiley faces left at the crime scenes and a comic book series from the 80s called Watchmen?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen

Not sure if there is any merit to it...

Personally I think anything is possible in this case. I have no theories but I believe it is happening........IMO

[ccdogmuffin]

I have heard many different theories ie: a group of women, a cult, a cross-state group of serial killers. On another forum (another website) someone has the theory that it is an employee for Trane, who make air conditioners and heaters. Apparently, he has mapped the killings, and in each of the towns where these young men were found, there is a Trane factory/office building, and during the time periods of the killings, Trane was offering employee training. There was also mention of (still part of his theory, not fact) using refridgerant to poison the victims.

Interesting thoughts...

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

I have heard many different theories ie: a group of women, a cult, a cross-state group of serial killers. On another forum (another website) someone has the theory that it is an employee for Trane, who make air conditioners and heaters. Apparently, he has mapped the killings, and in each of the towns where these young men were found, there is a Trane factory/office building, and during the time periods of the killings, Trane was offering employee training. There was also mention of (still part of his theory, not fact) using refridgerant to poison the victims.

Interesting thoughts...

And I think anyone of them is possible in my opinion except I thought the Trane thing was far-fetched. IMO

[ccdogmuffin]

From what I've read, it seems the FBI has looked at the case and doesn't seem to think there's enough evidence to investigate. But it seems to be too much of a coincidence to ignore. Here is a map of some of the victims that the two detectives believe are linked:

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s414698.shtml

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

From what I've read, it seems the FBI has looked at the case and doesn't seem to think there's enough evidence to investigate. But it seems to be too much of a coincidence to ignore. Here is a map of some of the victims that the two detectives believe are linked:

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s414698.shtml

Actually I believe the detectives have compiled 40 different murders in 11 states at this time. I know there were some in NY cause NY detectives were looking at it. I can think of a few reason FBI is not involved at this time but if deaths continue that may change. IMO

[Serial Killer X]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

Hi, I'm new to the boards and this is my first posting!

I have been following the "Smiley Face Murders" case for a while now, has anyone heard the theory about the smiley faces left at the crime scenes and a comic book series from the 80s called Watchmen?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen

Not sure if there is any merit to it...

Welcome To The Board's Yer I've Read The Theory It Is A Bit Intresting.

[Bluefox]

With respect, looking for obscure comic or tv program refereces, rather clouds the issue at hand, even if an alleged killer/killers took some ideas from them, which has already been established.

I salute the two determined detectives, fantastic work, unbelievable, but truth can be stranger than fiction and sometimes more horrifying!!
From just taking a look at the 'tecs map of drownings etc, i'm surprised the local LE did not investigate further. Alarm bells should have sounded simply by the way these young men disappeared. e.g. Brian Wetzein, his friend parks a car, and in literally seconds he's gone? He should have been right there waiting where his friend left him, suggesting Brian was not politely asked if he wanted a ride, but rather, he was forcibly removed, which i don't believe one person acting alone could achieve without gaining some attention from witnesses. It would help if there more background about witness, i.e. doorman at Hotel?? John Guimond, disappears while walking to his dorm. But he was out at midnight, a good time for killers to be about. However, as no body has been found, there's nothing to go on there. Patrick McNeill, young men do not just disappear whilst waiting for a g/f to come out of the rest room!! Nor can they be forcibly removed in a bar full of people! Did he decide to wait outside, and was he abducted from there?

It seems so far fetched that a group of people would spend years of their lives' travelling around killing people, all young men, all students. There's something else at work here, but i can't put my finger on it.

[ccdogmuffin]

(With respect) I have not posted any of my own theories on this thread, I have merely posted the ideas of others that I have found while researching the evidence. I realize that the "comic books theory" and the "Trane employee theory" is probably jumping to conclusions, but it is interesting none the less that there are so many people out there taking the time to research this case and come up with ideas. Again, these are other people's opinions, not mine. I have yet to form an opinion about what I believe is happening. Unfortunetly, much of the evidence is being washed away, making it that much harder for the 2 detectives who are working so hard to solve this.

Whatever the answer is, I hope that this case is solved soon.

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

(With respect) I have not posted any of my own theories on this thread, I have merely posted the ideas of others that I have found while researching the evidence. I realize that the "comic books theory" and the "Trane employee theory" is probably jumping to conclusions, but it is interesting none the less that there are so many people out there taking the time to research this case and come up with ideas. Again, these are other people's opinions, not mine. I have yet to form an opinion about what I believe is happening. Unfortunetly, much of the evidence is being washed away, making it that much harder for the 2 detectives who are working so hard to solve this.

Whatever the answer is, I hope that this case is solved soon.

Well put. The part that bothers me the most is the smiley faces painted where the bodies possibly went into the water. Very spooky.. IMO

[ccdogmuffin]

Apparently, the smiley face has been found at at least 12 of the sites where the bodies were either found, or close by. This is the only picture I have seen, does anyone know if they all look the same as this?

http://www.red-alerts.com/wp-content...gnaturejpg.JPG

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

Apparently, the smiley face has been found at at least 12 of the sites where the bodies were either found, or close by. This is the only picture I have seen, does anyone know if they all look the same as this?

http://www.red-alerts.com/wp-content...gnaturejpg.JPG

I found a site that shows many faces being used but I cannot remember where it was. I am sorry. Try maybe google or wikipedia IMO

[Serial Killer X]

Originally Posted by SaraSidle

Well put. The part that bothers me the most is the smiley faces painted where the bodies possibly went into the water. Very spooky.. IMO

Yer It Is Really Creepy Ay

[andU]

Originally Posted by ccdogmuffin

I have heard many different theories ie: a group of women, a cult, a cross-state group of serial killers. On another forum (another website) someone has the theory that it is an employee for Trane, who make air conditioners and heaters. Apparently, he has mapped the killings, and in each of the towns where these young men were found, there is a Trane factory/office building, and during the time periods of the killings, Trane was offering employee training. There was also mention of (still part of his theory, not fact) using refridgerant to poison the victims.

Interesting thoughts...

But, if the town/city is large enough Trane to have a facility wouldn't there also be other businesses/industry that would also train employees from time to time? It is reaching, IMO

[Its just me]

Originally Posted by andU

But, if the town/city is large enough Trane to have a facility wouldn't there also be other businesses/industry that would also train employees from time to time? It is reaching, IMO

Bumping post to get beyond filthy porn posted by a sick soul.

[odette]

August 3, 2008

Ex-cop: Szostak murder victim

Retired policeman says he believes drowning was work of "Smiley Face" killer

ALBANY -- A retired detective says Joshua Szostak, whose body was found in the Hudson River four months after he was last seen leaving a downtown bar, was abducted and murdered by the "Smiley Face" killer.

• Continued
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/sto...ategory=REGION

[odette]

07/15/2008

PIEHL: Smiley Face Update: Another man connected?

There is a new chapter in the Smiley Face Killer story and the author is Josh Szostak's dad, Bill.

• Continued
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S510824.shtml?cat=5

[odette]

April 29, 2008

The (smiley) face of a killer?

. . .

Could a national gang of killers that leaves smiley-face calling cards be getting away with murdering dozens of male college students by making all the deaths look like accidents?

Retired detectives suspect young men targeted for death by drowning

• Continued -- Video
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24366804/

[odette]

May 21, 2008

Joshua Szostak's Family Meeting With 'Smiley-Face Killer' Detectives

. . .

News of the possible lead in the Nicholas Garza case hits a familiar chord with Joshua Szostak's family. It's preparing to meet the two detectives spear-heading the 'smiley face killer' investigation this week in Albany.

• Continued
http://www.fox44.net/Global/story.asp?S=8281382

[SaraSidle]

I sure hope something is happening on this case. If we do have a smiley face killer LE really needs to pay a lot more attention to it. IMO

[biography]

I agree with some of the people in here that you cant just think you solved a mystery like Colombo. There are many things that factor into solving a "crime" and many things that seem like clues ending up being a freak of nature of a pure coincidence

[filmscribe]

this smiley face thing really creeps me out

[SidneyAston]

I found a site that shows many faces being used ,you can find using google search..

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by SidneyAston

I found a site that shows many faces being used ,you can find using google search..

Welcome................ What words do you use for the search?

[SidneyAston]

Hi,iam new to the boards and this is my first posting!

I have been following the "Smiley Face Murders" case for a while now, has anyone heard the theory about the smiley faces left at the crime scenes and a comic book series from the 80s called Watchmen

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by SidneyAston

Hi,iam new to the boards and this is my first posting!

I have been following the "Smiley Face Murders" case for a while now, has anyone heard the theory about the smiley faces left at the crime scenes and a comic book series from the 80s called Watchmen

No I never heard that. what was watchmen about?

[delaineyrae]

Some of these murders happened in my hometown, and what we keep being told is that there is no connection whatsoever. But that is just ignorance and fear saying all that. I'm sure it is being said in the other towns where these young men full of potential are being snuffed out. Police and local media are afraid that the prepatrators are locals, and don't want any negative attention drawn to their city.
When the movie Hostel came out, people realized that a murder business like that could very well exist in almost any country, because most of the world views Americans as obnoxious ingrateful people. Is it such a stretch to think that maybe some people might view these victims as obnoxious and ingrateful? In a typical school setting, these boys would be called jocks and their opposites would be called nerds.
Don't get me wrong, I myself am nerdy, and I'm sure people reading this might be too, but if there is a group of individuals committing these crimes, they have the intelligence and organizational skills to not get caught yet.
Mytheory is there is a group of people, men, who are bitter and holding grudges against "jocks" and are taking out revenge on them.(Bitterness and hate can do nothing but create turmoil.) And it feels so good to them that they have banded together with others like them and have signatures.
I'm not saying that I'm in the heads of whoever is doing this, but think about it from the angle I just described.

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by delaineyrae

Some of these murders happened in my hometown, and what we keep being told is that there is no connection whatsoever. But that is just ignorance and fear saying all that. I'm sure it is being said in the other towns where these young men full of potential are being snuffed out. Police and local media are afraid that the prepatrators are locals, and don't want any negative attention drawn to their city.
When the movie Hostel came out, people realized that a murder business like that could very well exist in almost any country, because most of the world views Americans as obnoxious ingrateful people. Is it such a stretch to think that maybe some people might view these victims as obnoxious and ingrateful? In a typical school setting, these boys would be called jocks and their opposites would be called nerds.
Don't get me wrong, I myself am nerdy, and I'm sure people reading this might be too, but if there is a group of individuals committing these crimes, they have the intelligence and organizational skills to not get caught yet.
Mytheory is there is a group of people, men, who are bitter and holding grudges against "jocks" and are taking out revenge on them.(Bitterness and hate can do nothing but create turmoil.) And it feels so good to them that they have banded together with others like them and have signatures.
I'm not saying that I'm in the heads of whoever is doing this, but think about it from the angle I just described.

I agree this sounds like a serial of one or more but I cannot imagine the organization or the motive. Too many coincidences in my opinion. sara