Investigating the Disturbing Wave of Drownings in Chicago: Is There a Serial Killer at Large in 2023?

Chicago has been plagued by a series of unsettling events involving the discovery of 16 bodies in its rivers and Lake Michigan since 2022. These incidents have raised concerns among experts, prompting speculation about the existence of a potential serial killer terrorizing the city.

In the past six months alone, authorities have recovered the remains of five men, bringing the total count to 10 men and six women found in these bodies of water. This article delves into the patterns, investigations, and the ongoing search for a possible Chicago serial killer in 2023.

Uncovering Disturbing Patterns

Former CIA and FBI federal agent, Tracy Walder, has been diligently analyzing the cases of these seemingly “accidental” drownings. As she delves deeper, recurring patterns have emerged. These include recovery sites located far from the initial missing persons’ reports, short periods of time with multiple victims found, and an alarming number of coincidences. Walder firmly believes that these patterns go beyond mere chance, indicating a more sinister motive behind these tragic events.

According to Walder, serial killers often adhere to distinct patterns, and utilizing bodies of water as a means to conceal their crimes can be highly effective. The lack of forensic evidence further complicates the investigations, making these cases even more challenging to solve.

Collaborative Investigations and Clusters of Deaths

By the end of December 2022, local outlets reported the collaboration between the FBI and the Chicago Police Department in an effort to solve the series of drowning deaths. Walder emphasizes the significance of identifying clusters—when multiple incidents occur within a concentrated timeframe—as they potentially signify a larger, more sinister scheme unfolding in the area.

Records reveal an unsettling pattern, with two bodies retrieved from the waters in April 2023 and a similar occurrence in December of the previous year. Additionally, four bodies were discovered in April 2022, underscoring the urgency for a thorough investigation into these deeply troubling events.

Recent Cases and the Quest for Justice

On June 17, authorities recovered the body of Noah Enos from the Chicago River, just five days after he went missing following a local rock concert. Disturbingly, Noah was found merely a block away from the location where he was last seen. The cause and manner of his death remain undisclosed, leaving his family in anguish. Seeking justice for their son, Noah’s family has enlisted the help of private investigators and launched a GoFundMe campaign.

During a poignant vigil held in honor of Noah, his girlfriend Nicole Wijs expressed her hope that no more lives would be lost under similar circumstances. Tearfully, she pleaded, “I know Noah wasn’t the first one to go missing and be found in the river, and I sure as s**t hope that he’s the last.”

Investigating Suspicious Cases

Among the cases currently under close scrutiny is the recovery of Richard Garcia’s body from the Chicago River on April 13. Richard, an employee at FedEx, was still wearing his uniform when found near the Columbus Drive Bridge. His loved ones reported him missing from his South Side home in March. The cause and manner of his death are pending further investigation by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

List of Recovered Bodies

The following is a list of the 16 individuals whose remains have been retrieved from Chicago-area waters between 2022 and 2023:

1. Noah Enos: Recovered in June 2023. Cause and manner of death: pending.
2. Unidentified woman: Recovered in May 2023. Cause and manner of death: unavailable.
3. Richard Garcia: Recovered in April 2023. Cause and manner of death: pending.
4. Seamus Gray: Recovered in April 2023. Cause and manner of death: undermined drowning.
5. Joel Orduno: Recovered in March 2023. Cause of death: drowning, manner undetermined.
6. Anthony Rucker: Recovered in February 2023. Cause of death: drowning, manner as suicide.
7. Krzysztof Szubert: Recovered in December 2022. Cause and manner of death: accidental drowning.
8. Peter Salvino: Recovered in December 2022. Cause and manner of death: accidental drowning.
9. Hayward Brown: Recovered in June 2022. Cause and manner of death: accidental drowning.
10. Daniel Sotelo: Recovered in May 2022. Cause and manner of death: undetermined drowning.
11. Natally Brookson: Recovered in May 2022. Cause and manner of death: undetermined.
12. Karina Pena Alanis: Recovered in April 2022. Cause of death: drowning, manner as suicide.
13. Yuet Tsang: Recovered in April 2022. Cause and manner of death: undetermined drowning.
14. Unidentified woman: Recovered in April 2022. Cause and manner: unavailable.
15. Unidentified man: Recovered in April 2022. Cause and manner: unavailable.
16. Kathleen Martin: Recovered in March 2022. Cause and manner of death: undetermined drowning.

As investigations into these tragic events continue, law enforcement agencies and communities remain committed to seeking answers, apprehending any potential perpetrators, and providing closure to the victims’ families.