Ex-NYPD cops say smiley face is link in 40 deaths by serial killer syndicate
A spray-painted smiley face with a taunting grin could be the disturbing signature of a nationwide network of killers who target promising college students.
The chilling symbol has been found at at least 12 sites where young men fitting a distinct profile have been drowned in incidents that were ruled accidents.
Found by two retired NYPD cops, the link could be evidence that at least 40 men in 11 states were victims of a syndicate of serial killers. Four area students were among the victims – all found floating in New York City waters more than a decade ago.
In every case, the victim has been a 19-to-23-year-old white male with high academic achievement and active in competitive sports, said Gannon.
“If this was a random thing, we’d have a wider range of victims,” he said.