Rumors of a serial killer in New England have intensified following the discovery of 12 human remains across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts in just two months. Sparse details from law enforcement have fueled speculation, prompting former FBI instructor and certified police trainer Scott Duffey to criticize the lack of transparency from authorities.
“From what I’ve seen or heard, first and foremost, not enough is being put out there, so we’ll continue to create that serial killer idea,” said Duffey. The victims, found between March and April in several towns—including New Haven, Pawtucket, Framingham, and Taunton—have prompted online sleuths to propose a pattern. However, investigators have not linked the cases or publicly confirmed any connections.
Duffey, originally from Norwalk, has dismissed the theory of an active serial killer. “I personally don’t think there’s anybody on the loose targeting women in New England … along the waterways and pathways,” he said, advising people to stay cautious. He urged individuals to use the “buddy system” and remain aware when outdoors.
One case involving a confirmed homicide resulted in the arrest of Donald Coffel, charged with the murder of his roommate, Suzanne Wormser, in Groton, Connecticut. Police reported the killing stemmed from a domestic dispute involving drugs, not a broader pattern. Authorities reiterated there is “no known threat to the public at this time.”
Social media has amplified the mystery. A private Facebook group discussing the deaths surged to nearly 70,000 members. A false confession within the group led Rhode Island police to search Narragansett Beach for clandestine graves—efforts that yielded no results. “It looked like someone was trying to get a rise… one of his poems actually spelled out the word ‘hoax,’” said Detective Sgt. Brent Kuzman.
As public anxiety rises, Duffey warned, “It doesn’t take a lot to create a conspiracy. And when you have a vacuum of information… people start following that idea even though there’s no evidence to back it up.”
