Indianapolis serial killer?
That's what is being shared and Googled, with an IndyStar article being used as a reference point for the theory that someone's on a killing spree after four bodies have been recovered from Fall Creek, Pleasant Run Creek and White River in two weeks.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are investigating two cases, and the other two are being reviewed by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Lawrence Police.
The unfounded rumors started circulating on social media, with a handful of users claiming there is a serial killer in Indianapolis "targeting men."
The latest body found in Pleasant Run Creek
At about 4:15 p.m. on June 9, Indianapolis Fire Department crews found a person's remains in Pleasant Run Creek near IFD Station 29 in the 600 block of East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to the scene. The Marion County Coroner's Office hasn't released the identity, cause, and manner of death.
Man's body found in White River in Noblesville
At 11:36 a.m., May 27, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Noblesville Fire Department were called to a water rescue at White River near the11000 block of East 206th Street in Noblesville. First responders found a man dead in the river on the south side of a bridge.
As of June 12, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said the autopsy report for the man remains incomplete, pending the results of toxicology testing.
Andrew 'Andy' W. Nevers, 55, found in Fall Creek
At 4:15 p.m., May 26, Lawrence Police were called to the block of9500 Fall Creek Roadon a report of a body floating in the water. A kayaker spotted the body near the Upper Fall Creek Loop Trail. Officers said it appeared the body had been in the water for a while and did not suspect foul play.
The man was identified as Andrew "Andy" W. Nevers, 55, and Lawrence Police told IndyStar that an autopsy revealed Nevers had a stroke and fell in the water. It is believed that he was homeless and had been camping near the edge of Fall Creek before he died.
Leo Victor Declay, 61, found in White River
At 11:05 a.m., May 26, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to the500 block of North White River Parkway West Driveon a report of a death. Officers found a man, later identified as Leo Victor Declay, 61, in the White River. A dive team with the Indianapolis Fire Department recovered him from the water.
The Marion County Coroner's Office has not released his cause of death.
Is there an Indianapolis serial killer?
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police told IndyStar they are still investigating, but the recent deaths do not appear to be related. They're waiting on the Marion County Coroner’s Office to make the final determination in the manner and cause of death in their cases.
Lawrence Police also doesn't believe the Fall Creek case is related to any other body found.
In a statement to IndyStar, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said, "Based on the evidence currently available, there is no indication of foul play, nor is there any evidence to support the existence of a serial offender connected to this case."
Indianapolis was the hunting ground of Fox Hollow Farms serial killer
In 1996, Hamilton County investigators discovered at least 10,000 crushed and burnt bones and bone fragments at the 18-acre property, off 156th Street and the Monon Trail.
Authorities have said they believe about 25 people were killed by Fox Hollow Farm owner Herbert Baumeister during the '90s, but the number of victims could be higher.
The serial killer lured the victims, who were mostly young, gay men, to his property where he killed them and dismembered their bodies. Many he found at bars in Indianapolis.
Baumeister killed himself shortly after law enforcement began investigating his property.
Jade Jacksonis a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her atJade.Jackson@IndyStar.comand follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. IndyStar reporter Jake Allen contributed to this article.
