(VitalNews.org) – The once peaceful coastal haven of Jamaica Bay has become New York City’s own Bermuda Triangle after a shocking eight bodies were discovered in its waters over the past year.
The alarming situation has drawn national attention, prompting Councilwoman Joann Ariola to express deep concern over the rising body count.
“Growing up, you’d hear about bodies in the East River, the Hudson River, but not in Jamaica Bay,” Ariola stated.
“Maybe you would hear about one or two here and there; a fisherman who fell in, or some other tragedy. But to have so many in less than a year? This is really unprecedented,” she added.
Despite the growing anxiety among residents, law enforcement officials have not provided any satisfactory explanations or addressed community concerns.
The NYPD’s silence on the matter has only fueled speculation and fear among locals, who are demanding transparency and action from their elected officials.
Adding to the mystery, the Medical Examiner declared as “undetermined” the manner of death for four bodies, including that of Emmy-award-winning cinematographer Ross McDonnell,
McDonnell’s case is particularly disturbing as his torso was found without head and arms on a Breezy Point beach two weeks after he left his Brooklyn home.
Reflecting the community’s fear, Broad Channel Civic Association and the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers President Dan Mundy Jr. said, “I’ve been living on the water all my life, and I don’t ever remember having this much happen all in a year.”
“If there were eight bodies popping up in [another] neighborhood in a year, it would be a big deal,” he continued. “The police should be treating this the same way and should let us know what’s going on here.”
Belle Harbor Property Owners Association President Paul King also chimed in to say: “To have eight bodies wash up since last November, and they have seemingly no connection to one another… it’s strange and disconcerting to say the least.”
While law enforcement insists these deaths are not connected, the community remains skeptical.
The only case with a conclusive determination involves a headless man found in April, ruled as a hanging suicide.
While recommending against jumping to conclusions, retired NYPD sergeant Joe Giacalone explained that the condition of remains affects the determination of the cause of death.
Even after suggesting that some deaths could be accidental or suicides rather than homicides, Giacalone’s comments have done little to reassure the community.
As investigations into three other deaths, including those of Marco Ramirez and an unidentified female, remain open, the community’s call for answers grows louder.
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