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Hot Springs homicide under investigation but no evidence of serial killer
If Your Time is short
- The body of a woman was recently found in Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, but authorities say their investigation indicates this is an isolated incident.
- We found no evidence to support rumors related to this case that there are as many as five victims who died at the hands of a serial killer.
A rumor has been spreading on social media about a serial killer targeting women in the Hot Springs area of Arkansas. One Facebook post said that five dismembered bodies had been discovered. "5 BODIES CHOPPED UP!!!" another post said.
This post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
We reached out to the Hot Springs Police Department to ask about the post. Cpl. Patrick Langley referred us to the National Park Service but said "there is not a serial killer."
We called Alexandra Picavet, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, who pointed us to an April 13 press release from the agency about a homicide investigation in Hot Springs National Park.
The remains of a 32-year-old woman named Paige Autumn White were found off of a road in the park on March 27, 2021, according to the park service. The agency is working with the FBI, Hot Springs Police Department, Arkansas State Police and Garland County Sheriff’s Department to investigate.
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But authorities do not believe this is the work of a serial killer, as the Facebook posts have warned.
"This case is an isolated incident involving only one victim," Picavet said.
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In its own statement released on April 13, the FBI said "there is a strong possibility the person who did this continues to work and/or live in our community."
Searching online for evidence to support the claim that there are more homicide victims we found only vague, unsubstantiated claims.
In June 2020, a man was found dead in the park after a shooting, but a suspect was arrested and charged.
We rate these posts False.
Our Sources
Facebook post, April 11, 2021
Facebook post, April 12, 2021
Facebook post, April 12, 2021
National Park Service, National Park Service seeks tips from the public to aid homicide investigation in Hot Springs National Park, April 13, 2021
FBI, National Park Service and FBI seek information regarding Hot Springs National Park homicide investigation, March 27, 2021
ABC 7, Police investigating Garland County murder, June 8, 2020
Interview with Cpl. Patrick Langley, Hot Springs Police Department, April 13, 2021
Interview with Alexandra Picavet, assistant regional director for communications, legislation and partnerships, National Park Service, April 13, 2021
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More by Ciara O'Rourke
Hot Springs homicide under investigation but no evidence of serial killer
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