Authorities Dismiss Serial Killer Hysteria in Texas City

Austin city officials have already implemented new safety measures along Rainey Street- where many true crime enthusiasts believe this supposed serial killer- which has been dubbed “the Rainey Street Ripper”-  stalks their victims and then disposes of them into Lady Bird Lake.

It is true that over the past two years, several bodies have been found in Lady Bird Lake, and, although the locals deny it, true crime junkies still flock to Rainey Street.

From July 2022 to early 2024, at least twelve bodies have been pulled from Lady Bird Lake, sparking public concern and rumors of a serial killer. However, the majority of these deaths have been attributed to accidental drownings, often involving alcohol and poor lighting around the lake area. Only one case, that of Josue Moreno, has been confirmed as a homicide, which was promptly solved with an arrest​.

The authorities maintain that there is no serial killer at large, despite ongoing speculation and concerns from residents. Police have emphasized the importance of adhering to park rules and improving safety measures around the lake to prevent further incidents​.

Currently, there is no verified serial killer in Austin, Texas. Although there have been a series of deaths and bodies found in Lady Bird Lake, the Austin Police Department has repeatedly stated that there is no evidence connecting these deaths to a single perpetrator.

Still, that doesn’t stop crime sleuths from visiting the already busy tourist area of Rainey Street- in hopes of maybe catching a serial killer.