What do you think about the "serial killer" theory in Eau Claire and La Crosse? (college, live)

[Trabbz]

What do you think about the "serial killer" theory behind all of the college men drownings mostly in Eau Claire and La Crosse? For those of you unfamiliar with the situation, check out the links below.

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Press Release

Detectives say Gang of Serial Killers Responsible for 40 River Deaths

I am not really sure where I stand on this one. The problem I see with the situation is why were they all athletic, males, white, good looking, well liked, in college and almost all ages between 20-23???? Could this really be a coincidence? Do this many college guys really try to go swimming all alone while drunk? Why haven't any females drowned? Why did this start happening consistently since 1997 and rarely before that?

I really don't know what to think. The FBI and police departments are saying no way this is a killer, other investigators are saying yes.

[gallon]

I always trust the FBI, for their reputation and competence.
Always room, though, for new evidence.

No overall opinion, yay or nay, on serial killer theory. I would tend to subscibe to the 'drunken young males shouldn't be near swift dangerous rivers late at night' theory.

[dreamhunter65]

The Eau Claire ones high alchohol levels,many bars near the river sounds like accidental to me. Why guy's not gals, way I see it ladies usually go everywhere with a friend and less likely to be a river in the dark. Only takes 1 slip hit head or just the shock of cold water to gulp a mouthful and drown and with .2+ BAC reaction so much slower and sure be alot of stumbling anyway. Cannot talk on other areas but do not think serial killers, think these detectives to used to the big apple.

[Dubuquer1]

First I heard of this -- I lived in Eau Claire -- thought this was college kids getting drunk and doing crazy things. I didn't know about the smiley faces. Too bad -- Eau Claire and LaCrosse are such nice communities.

[LML]

I have to be honest here and tell you that, over the years, I had already wondered about this. Don't know if it is true or not. But, as the death toll of similar individuals in similar circumstances has mounted, I have found myself wondering if there could be someone killing these guys.

[Trabbz]

Originally Posted by LML

I have to be honest here and tell you that, over the years, I had already wondered about this. Don't know if it is true or not. But, as the death toll of similar individuals in similar circumstances has mounted, I have found myself wondering if there could be someone killing these guys.

I agree. I am on the fence about this one. But I seriously cannot imagine 3 different guys dying under the exact same circumstance in 3 years in Eau Claire, and 8 in 9 years in La Crosse. It seems too much to be a coincidence.

[huggybear28]

The problem is the media and these detectives are ignoring the history before this string of 8 drownings in 9 years occurred in La Crosse. The city in the 90's, 80's, and 70's also had drownings of similar age and gender. I cannot give you exact examples as I do not remember any details but I know this is not new. Although they become more frequent after 1998, when pearl street in downtown La Crosse was given direct access down to the levee. The levee is where the majority of these most recent drownings have occurred. Before there was a barrier, I cannot remember what it was there, but I know you could not walk in straight down to the river as pearl street was cut off at 2nd street. I believe there was a 10-12 ft. ledge with a fence there and parking for the civic center. But from pearl street after they made that connection between riverside park and 2nd street you could follow the sidewalk straight to the levee and into the river. The city has made improvements and put up a barrier to the levee so people would not fall off. Will it help? Probably not as the real problem is over excessive drinking but clearly there is much more to this story on the non-serial killer side of the argument as well.

[golfgal]

There have been similar incidences in Minnesota as well and the serial killer theory has been tossed around here as well.

[crazyme4878]

I'm more inclined to say they are all accidental. I haven't read the specific links yet, though, so I don't know about the smiley faces. (I will read after this). I agree with DreamHunter on why they fall into that certain age and gender group. On the other side, someone might really have it out for young males and take advantage by hanging out by the river around bar close... the guys being drunk would make it easier to push in... but still, wouldn't you see more blunt trauma on the deceased? I would think a good hit to the head might still be needed. And wouldn't someone get away or see something supiscious? Eventually?

[Trabbz]

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

I'm more inclined to say they are all accidental. I haven't read the specific links yet, though, so I don't know about the smiley faces. (I will read after this). I agree with DreamHunter on why they fall into that certain age and gender group. On the other side, someone might really have it out for young males and take advantage by hanging out by the river around bar close... the guys being drunk would make it easier to push in... but still, wouldn't you see more blunt trauma on the deceased? I would think a good hit to the head might still be needed. And wouldn't someone get away or see something supiscious? Eventually?

If it is a serial killer, then that is why they probably haven't been caught. Look at how many people serial killers kill before they get caught. They have a way with doing it without anybody suspecting it I guess until they finally slip up. The smiley face thing is typical of a serial killer, if in fact it is true. In one case they found the street name (Sinsinawa) of where one guy was found dead written at another spot where another guy was found dead. That word is too uncommon to be a coincidence to me.