Criminology Podcast | Episode 357
"An Active Serial Killer in New England?"
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Morford
Date: May 4, 2025
Episode Overview
In this compelling, headline-driven episode, Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford tackle a subject raising alarm across New England: the recent discovery of ten bodies across several states, sparking social media speculation and fear that a serial killer may be operating in the region. The hosts break down each case, examine patterns, discuss public reactions and law enforcement statements, and reflect on the likelihood (or unlikelihood) that these cases are linked by a single perpetrator.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Surge of Unsolved Deaths in New England
(03:52) Mike Ferguson introduces the main theme, highlighting the recent spate of bodies found across multiple New England states, their varying conditions (skeletal, decomposed, some recently deceased), and public worries that a serial killer is at work. Authorities largely dispute this, but skepticism remains.
"One by one, the discovery of 10 bodies in the New England area across multiple states have made headlines over the past few weeks." – Mike Ferguson (03:52)
2. Case-by-Case Breakdown – March to April 2025
The hosts detail the timeline and circumstances of the major cases fueling speculation:
Paige Fannin (Wilton/Norwalk, CT; March 2025)
- 35 y/o, missing from NY, found dead in Norwalk River. No updates on cause or events leading to death.
- Ongoing investigation; little public information.
(04:54–06:39)
Unidentified Human Skull (Plymouth, MA; March 6)
- Skull found in woods surrounded by high-end developments; no other remains.
- Raises oddity: only the skull present, complicating identification.
(07:01–08:17)
Suzanne Wormser (Groton, CT; March)
- 58 y/o, torso found in suitcase in cemetery; had Turner syndrome. Later identified via community tips.
- Police link roommate (Donald Koffel) to her murder after forensic and testimonial evidence.
(08:31–10:17, 34:37–37:36)
Denise Leary (New Haven, CT; March)
- 59 y/o, missing since September 2024, found in advanced decay.
- Family and police lean towards mental health episode, not foul play.
(10:37–12:28, 39:23–43:34)
Michelle Romano (Foster, RI; March)
- 56 y/o, missing since August 2024; suspicious death, remains in a trash bag.
- Friends suspect foul play; police are tightlipped, seeking footage.
(12:28–14:06, 45:05–45:43)
Megan Meredith (Springfield, MA; April 22)
- 45 y/o, found deceased along a bike path; cause of death unknown.
- Not in a secluded area—near MGM casino and NBA Hall of Fame.
(14:06–15:02, 46:02–47:30)
Andrew Gumpel & Jonathan Thompson (Salem, MA; April 23)
- Two men (41 and 42), from AZ and OR, found beaten and stabbed near Walmart.
- Suspect Jay Blodgett arrested for their murders; police don't believe linked to other cases.
(16:04–18:22, 30:39–34:37)
Samuel Stovall (Taunton, MA; April 25) & Unidentified Man (Rocky Hill, CT; April 27)
- Homeless, no suspicion of foul play; minimal media attention.
(20:52–21:47)
Additional Cases (Not Widely Linked)
Covers additional remains and missing persons—Amanda Grusewski (NH), Margaret Hammersley (MA), unidentified skeletal remains (CT), and the missing Eric Wein.
(22:42–25:40)
3. Patterns, Fear, & Social Media Speculation
- Pattern Recognition: Many victims are women in their 40s or 50s, but outlier cases (the two men, younger women, homeless men) suggest otherwise.
- Police Position: Authorities repeatedly deny connections; question social media-driven serial killer narrative.
- Public Reaction: Exploding interest in the New England Serial Killer Facebook group (>70,000 members), driving both awareness and what officials call "fearmongering."
- Notable Quote:
"I don't know what is scarier... having a serial killer operating in your area or... multiple serial killers operating in the same area at the same time." – Mike Ferguson (18:33)
4. Law Enforcement Responses & Recent Arrests
- Case Resolutions:
- Suzanne Wormser: Roommate Donald Koffel confesses.
"All right, man, I did it. I hit her in the head with a fucking baseball bat, and it cracked her fucking head open." – Donald Koffel, confession (36:38)
- Salem Double Homicide: Jay Blodgett charged; not believed to be a serial case.
- Suzanne Wormser: Roommate Donald Koffel confesses.
- Open, Unresolved Cases: Other deaths remain unsolved or undetermined; some (like Michelle Romano) still considered suspicious.
- Official Perspective: Police caution against panic, emphasize most murders are not by strangers or serial killers, but acknowledge pressure to reassure the public.
- Memorable Law Enforcement Statements:
"To the people who are avidly investigating, we're hiring. Feel free to come apply." – Officer Christian Bruckhart, New Haven P.D. (47:57)
5. Social Media, Public Theories, and Law Enforcement Tension
-
Online Investigation: Social groups sometimes aid investigations, but also risk spreading misinformation and draining police resources (e.g., fictional body dumping post prompting a full-scale search).
"[Social media groups] can compromise active investigations and contribute to a sense of chaos that does not reflect the full picture." – D.A. Gallooney (50:12)
-
Historical Context: New England has legitimate serial killer history—The New Bedford Highway Killer, Rhode Island Ripper, Connecticut River Valley Killer—fueling ongoing concerns.
6. Reflections, Theories, and Host Perspectives
- Serial Killer Likelihood: As arrests are made (e.g., Suzanne Wormser, Salem murders), the multi-victim serial killer hypothesis weakens.
"...with every piece of detail that we talked about... for me, I'm leaning away from the serial killer theory." – Mike Ferguson (57:30)
- Alternative Explanations: Seasonality noted as a possible factor; spring brings both discovery of remains (due to increased outdoor activity) and more opportunities for crime/accident.
- Statistical Perspective: Serial killers are rare and account for a very small percentage of murders; most people are killed by someone they know.
"...Over the past several weeks, the New England serial killer group on Facebook has exploded in growth... Authorities aren't happy with the speculation..." – Mike Ferguson (47:30)
- Advice: Stay aware of surroundings; regardless of the perpetrator, vigilance is always warranted.
- Host Summaries:
"It is one of those situations where we have a number of cases that are ongoing, unfolding at the moment. These aren’t super old cold cases. Things are unfolding in real time." – Mike Ferguson (60:33)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Shocking Details:
"I did it. I hit her in the head with a fucking baseball bat, and it cracked her fucking head open. ...lived in the home with her dead body for almost two weeks before he used a handsaw to dismember her remains." – Donald Koffel's confession (36:38)
- Media Frenzy:
"It would be more comforting for a lot of people if all these deaths were at the hands of one person... The frightening alternative is that there might be more than one person on the loose..." – Mike Morford (29:08)
- Authority Frustration:
"Fear mongering." – Mayor Keith Hedrick, regarding serial killer speculation (47:30)
- Community Voice:
"We would appreciate it if people on social media, news or other platforms would stop making false statements that our Michelle is in any way the victim of a serial killer." – Romano family statement (43:34)
Key Timestamps of Important Segments
- 03:52 – Introduction to the recent string of deaths and the serial killer hypothesis
- 04:54 to 15:02 – Detailed walkthrough of key cases (Paige Fannin, Plymouth skull, Suzanne Wormser, etc.)
- 16:04 to 18:22 – Discussion of Salem double homicide and trucker rumors
- 20:52 to 25:40 – Additional bodies and missing persons, broader pattern
- 30:39 to 37:36 – Arrests in major cases, details on suspects and evidence
- 39:23 to 43:34 – Denise Leary’s background, mental health and family insight
- 45:05 to 45:43 – Michelle Romano: family response to serial killer rumors
- 47:30 to 51:12 – Online speculation, police response, and historical serial killer context
- 53:42 to 54:42 – Host advice: vigilance and situational awareness
- 57:30 to 59:38 – Final reflections on probabilities of serial killer linkage
- 60:33 to 61:47 – Wrap up, call for public tips, and closing remarks
Conclusion
Hosts’ Final Take:
While the density and timing of deaths and disappearances in New England are alarming, evidence increasingly points away from a single serial killer. Arrests in some cases, varied victim profiles, and geographical spread all weaken that theory. Nevertheless, the spike in attention highlights both the community's vigilance and the challenges of modern true crime discussion.
Key Closing Advice:
Stay informed, trust evidence over rumor, and remain safely aware in daily life.
Resources & Contact Information
Tip lines for open investigations provided at 55:07–56:31:
- Springfield PD: 413-787-6355 (Megan Meredith)
- Rhode Island State Police: 401-647-8039 (Michelle Romano)
- Derry Police (NH): 603-432-6111 (Amanda Grusewski)
- South Kingstown PD: 401-783-3321 (Eric Wein)
- Massachusetts State Police: 508-894-2600 (Sandra Crispo/Brittany McCormick)
This summary captures the essence, factual walk-through, and nuanced discussion from the hosts, providing the context, key facts, law-enforcement and public responses, memorable quotes, and structured insight for those interested in the complexities around this true crime phenomenon in New England Spring 2025.