Brade
Taunton, Massachusetts – Authorities have identified the body discovered in Mill River on Friday afternoon as SAMUEL STOVALL, a 51-year-old homeless man known to local police. BRISTOL COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMAS M. QUINN III confirmed the discovery, noting visible signs of decomposition on the remains. While the death is not currently deemed suspicious, the investigation remains open.
The discovery comes amid growing speculation online about a potential serial killer in New England. Since March, 11 bodies have been found across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, fueling fears and rumors. However, law enforcement agencies across the region have dismissed these claims, emphasizing the need for careful assessment of information circulating on social media.
In Springfield, Massachusetts, the body of MEGGAN MEREDITH, 45, was found last Tuesday and identified earlier this week. HAMPDEN DISTRICT ATTORNEY ANTHONY D. GULLUNI addressed the serial killer rumors, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder active investigations.
“While online conversations around these incidents continue to grow, we urge the public to be mindful of the role that social media can play in spreading fear or misinformation,” Gulluni stated. “Unverified claims can compromise active investigations and contribute to a sense of chaos that does not reflect the full picture.”
In Foster, Rhode Island, the remains of a woman missing since July were recently discovered. Her family has strongly denied any connection to a serial killer. Meanwhile, the body of PAIGE FANNON, 35, was found in the Norwalk River in Connecticut in early March. The State of Connecticut Medical Examiners’ Office has yet to complete its investigation, but authorities have stated there is no indication of foul play or links to other deaths.
TED WILLIAMS, a former Washington, D.C. homicide detective and attorney, emphasized the unusual nature of multiple bodies being found in such close proximity. “Anytime you find 10 bodies in any geographical location, it is very concerning to law enforcement,” Williams told Fox News Digital. “The big question is to try to show some kind of nexus between these various areas in which these bodies have been found.”
Williams believes that law enforcement agencies across New England are likely collaborating to determine if there is a connection between the cases. “I would absolute have to believe that in the New England corridor, where these bodies have come up, that there is communication between law enforcement agencies at these various venues and these various locations where bodies have been found to try to show if there is an actual nexus between the bodies that have been found and a specific, should we say, serial killer,” he said.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to rely on verified information and avoid speculation that could impede official efforts.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[Connecticut State Police](https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP)
[Bristol County District Attorney’s Office](https://www.bristolda.com)
