DES MOINES, Iowa – Following the deaths of two women in the Des Moines metro area, concerns have emerged online about a potential serial killer. However, officials have stated that there are no indications of criminal activity in these cases.
Worried residents on social media have speculated a possible connection between the deaths of two women found in wooded areas. The first woman, 58-year-old Lishala Patterson, was discovered on Nov. 15 near Chautauqua Parkway. The second woman, 55-year-old Belinda Anne Morris, was found on Dec. 7 near the Great Western Trail. Despite the concerns raised by the public, preliminary evidence has not shown any obvious signs of foul play in either of the deaths.
On Dec. 9, the Des Moines Police Department confirmed that an autopsy showed no indications of criminal actions contributing to Morris’ death. Speculation and rumors on social media have suggested that one of the women was bound, but Sgt. Paul Parizek, public information officer for the department, has refuted these claims, stating that “none of the deaths being speculated about on social media have any evidence indicating criminal action contributing to death.”
Police have emphasized the importance of waiting for more results from the autopsies to determine the exact causes of the deaths. They have also reassured the public that they will share findings as soon as they become available.
In the meantime, users on social media have been warning others, especially women, to stay safe when traveling at night. However, police have maintained that there is no evidence to support the speculation of a serial killer in the Des Moines metro area.
As the investigation continues, officials urge the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information and to await the results of the autopsies for more accurate details regarding the deaths of the two women.