Authorities in New England have been criticized for withholding “enough” information that could dispel the growing speculation about the presence of a serial killer, following the recent findings of 12 sets of human remains discovered between March and April, according to Scott Duffey, a former FBI instructor and certified police instructor.

These discoveries, which occurred in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, coupled with the lack of detailed information from the police regarding the cause of death of the 12 victims, have fueled rumors and concerns on social media about a potential serial killer. 

“Based on what I’ve seen or heard, not enough information is being shared, which keeps the serial killer narrative circulating,” Duffey commented regarding the online sleuths. “Yet, there has been no indication of any connections between the victims, so we should allow law enforcement to address the necessary questions. From what I’ve observed, there is no evidence pointing to a serial killer being responsible for any or most of these discovered individuals.”

The former FBI investigator, who is originally from Norwalk, said that after looking into what information was available about the 12 deaths, he reassured his family of his belief that there is not a serial killer roaming New England.

Duffey believes police in the area who are called to respond to suspicious deaths will have their eye on the Facebook page and related social media discussions.

“The mystery is definitely a hook,” he said. “And just like anybody else, I’m waiting for more and more answers to come out. But also, I think with what has come out, I feel strongly that it is just that – a set of circumstances that caught a social media whirlwind – and now law enforcement has to kind of temper it down with evidence and information coming from credible sources.”

The Facebook group has garnered nearly 20,000 new members over the last month. Searches for “New England serial killer” on Google spiked around April 7, according to data from the search engine.