BRADENTON – Despite a viral Facebook rumor, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office assured residents this week that there is no investigation into a local serial killer, or homicide investigations that are thought to be related.
The posts, which quickly went viral, referenced multiple female deaths in both Manatee and Sarasota counties over a period of months, suggesting that a rash of women were turning up murdered with no media coverage. Many seemed to imply that there was a cover up of sorts at work.
Two of the deaths happened in Manatee County last weekend, but police say there was no evidence of foul play in either instance and no signs that the deaths were in any way related. This week, the Manatee Sheriff's Office issued the following statement:
We have received some inquiries regarding posts circulating on social media that imply there may be a "serial killer" operating in Manatee County and surrounding jurisdictions. We want to clarify that the deaths referenced in these posts that occurred in MCSO's jurisdiction are being investigated, and at this time nothing suspicious or criminal in nature has been discovered. We will always inform you in the event we believe public safety is at risk. If you have any questions, please contact us at 941-747-3011 Ext. 2278.
The death that got the most attention was a Sarasota woman who had been found dead in a canal in May. Police ruled out foul play in that case as well.
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