Brade
Massachusetts authorities are investigating the death of a woman found unresponsive near a bike path in Springfield on Tuesday. According to RYAN WALSH, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department (SPD), officers responded to reports of an unresponsive person near the 1500 block of Hall of Fame Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman who was pronounced dead shortly after.
The SPD Homicide Unit, under the direction of CAPTAIN TRENT DUDA, is conducting an unattended death investigation in collaboration with the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit. The cause of death will be determined by a medical examiner, Walsh stated.
This incident has fueled growing online speculation about a potential New England serial killer, following the discovery of eight deaths—mostly women—between March and April in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Despite the rumors, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the cases.
Walsh emphasized to Fox News Digital that internet rumors remain unsubstantiated, stating, “The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.” Social media speculation originated from a Facebook group titled “New England Serial Killer,” which has since changed its name due to platform regulations.
Over the past two months, human remains have been found in multiple locations, including New Haven, Norwalk, Groton, and Killingly in Connecticut; Foster, Rhode Island; and Framingham, Plymouth, and Springfield in Massachusetts. While some remains have been identified, others are too degraded for immediate identification.
PETER VALENTIN, chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, told Fox News Digital that the Springfield case suggests a very recent death, differentiating it from other remains found earlier. Valentin also questioned whether homicide is being ruled out prematurely, noting the need to examine evidence near the body.
At least four of the eight victims identified thus far are women, including the latest case in Springfield. Connecticut State Police have stated there is no evidence linking these deaths or indicating a public threat.
The “New England Serial Killer” Facebook group has grown to 65,300 members, with over 15,000 new members joining this month alone, as reported by MassLive.com. Searches for “New England serial killer” on Google spiked around April 7, reflecting heightened public concern.
Authorities continue to investigate each case individually, urging the public to rely on official updates rather than unverified rumors.
**Sources:**
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
[MassLive.com](https://www.masslive.com)
