The Truth Behind The Rumors: Is There A Serial Killer Active In Massachusetts Right Now?

The question of whether an active serial killer is stalking Massachusetts is a complex one, driven by both recent, high-profile cold case breakthroughs and persistent, unsettling online speculation regarding a string of unsolved deaths across New England. As of December 12, 2025, while authorities have not confirmed an *active* serial killer investigation linking multiple recent homicides, the state is grappling with the chilling reality that a past perpetrator, now identified as Kevin Lino, was recently designated a "serial killer" after being linked to four cold-case murders between 2010 and 2014. This duality—a solved past threat and an unconfirmed present fear—is at the heart of the ongoing public anxiety. The fear is further fueled by online chatter and news reports detailing the discovery of multiple sets of human remains across the region, including a body found on a riverfront bike path in Massachusetts, which has intensified rumors of a potential active threat or a "New England serial killer." However, law enforcement officials, including the Massachusetts State Police, have publicly addressed these concerns, cautioning against connecting disparate cases without concrete evidence and denying a single suspect in several of the recent killings.

The Recent Identification of a Massachusetts Serial Killer: Kevin Lino

The most concrete, recent development that has profoundly influenced the public's perception of serial killers in Massachusetts is the identification and indictment of Kevin Lino. This case, while involving murders that occurred years ago, was recently designated by authorities, bringing a chilling historical context to the modern discussion.

Biography and Profile of Kevin Lino

• Full Name: Kevin Lino
• Age: 38 (as of latest reports)
• Residence: Lowell, Massachusetts
• Victim Profile: Targeted vulnerable individuals, specifically homeless men.
• Known Victims:
  • Normand Varieur (Murdered in Boston in 2012)
  • Jack Gilbert (Murdered in 2012)
  • Two other victims (murders occurred between 2010 and 2014 in Massachusetts and Montana)
• Current Status: Serving time for the murders of Normand Varieur and Jack Gilbert; recently indicted in connection with the cold-case killings of two other men in Massachusetts and Montana, leading to his designation as a "serial killer" by authorities.
• Timeframe of Murders: Between 2010 and 2014.

Lino's identification as a serial killer, linked to four murders of homeless men across two states, provided long-awaited answers in several cold cases. The fact that this individual was operating for years, preying on the vulnerable, and only recently designated as a serial killer by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, highlights the complex and often delayed process of identifying such perpetrators. This breakthrough has simultaneously solved past mysteries and raised the public's awareness of the potential for similar threats to exist undetected.

Unmasking the 'New England Serial Killer' Rumors

Despite the resolution of the Lino case, a separate wave of concern has swept through the region, fueled by a series of unrelated, tragic discoveries. This phenomenon, often termed the "New England serial killer" rumor, is primarily driven by speculation on social media platforms and local news reports about multiple recent findings of human remains.

The Cases Fueling Online Speculation

In recent months, the discovery of multiple bodies and human remains across New England states, including Massachusetts, has led to intense online chatter. One key event that amplified these rumors was the discovery of a woman's body on a riverfront bike path in Massachusetts. Other discoveries across the New England area have been incorrectly linked by the public, creating a generalized fear of a single, active killer.

The pattern of these discoveries, often involving vulnerable populations or remains found in wooded or remote areas, naturally triggers public fear and the tendency to connect disparate events. However, experts in criminology caution against this. Dr. James Alan Fox, a professor at Northeastern University who has studied mass killings for decades, notes that the known evidence in many of these unresolved deaths does not corroborate with behavior common among many serial killers.

Official Response and Law Enforcement Stance

Law enforcement agencies have taken the unusual step of publicly addressing the growing fear. Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble indicated that the agency is aware of the online chatter but stressed the importance of relying on confirmed evidence rather than speculation. In cases where multiple bodies have been found, police have often denied the existence of a single suspect, emphasizing that each investigation is unique and in its early stages.

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The official position is a crucial counterpoint to the online rumors. While the fear is real, a confirmed, active serial killer—defined as an individual who has committed two or more murders in separate events—has not been identified or confirmed by authorities as actively operating in Massachusetts right now. The public should rely on official police statements and tip lines for accurate information.

The Lingering Shadow of Unsolved Homicides

Beyond the immediate speculation, Massachusetts continues to work on numerous unsolved homicides, which perpetually contribute to the public's underlying anxiety about safety. These cold cases are a constant reminder that perpetrators of violent crime may still be free. The ongoing efforts by state and local police to solve these cases are vital for public trust and justice.

Notable Unsolved Cases and Investigation Efforts

• The Suffolk County Unsolved Murders: The county has a significant number of cold cases, including the 2007 murder of Jason Fernandes and the 2009 murder of Julienne Corrao. These cases are continuously reviewed by specialized cold case units.
• Historical Unsolved Mysteries: The state is home to some of the most famous unsolved mysteries, such as the 1892 Lizzie Borden case in Fall River, which remains a subject of intense historical debate. While not a modern serial killer case, it illustrates the state's long history of high-profile, unresolved violence.
• Jameil Williams Murder: The murder of Jameil Williams remains a cold case, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Massachusetts unsolved tip line at 1-855-MA-SOLVE.
• The Southwick Remains: The discovery of human remains in a wooded area in Southwick back in 1992 is an ongoing Hampden District Attorney investigation that uses modern forensic techniques to try and establish a profile.

The investigative focus today heavily relies on advancements in forensic science, particularly DNA technology and genetic genealogy, which have been instrumental in solving decades-old cases, including the Lino case. The existence of these cold cases, and the continuous effort to solve them, is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement but also a source of persistent public concern.

Conclusion: Fact vs. Fear in Massachusetts

The question "is there a serial killer in Massachusetts right now" has two answers. Factually, no law enforcement agency in Massachusetts has confirmed the existence of a single, active serial killer linking multiple *recent* homicides as of late 2024 and 2025. The Massachusetts State Police and local District Attorney offices have been clear in their communications, urging the public to avoid fear-mongering based on online rumors. However, the recent designation of Kevin Lino as a serial killer for his cold-case murders between 2010 and 2014 proves that such threats can and do exist, often targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The current heightened public awareness is a mix of legitimate concern over unsolved homicides, the unsettling nature of the recent discoveries of human remains, and the rapid spread of speculation via social media. The best defense remains vigilance, cooperation with law enforcement, and relying on verified, official information rather than uncorroborated online chatter.