Police say there is a suspected serial killer in Baton Rouge.
Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
No, police aren’t investigating a suspected serial killer in Baton Rouge
If Your Time is short
- Baton Rouge police say there is no suspected serial killer.
- The bodies of two women were recovered from the Mississippi River in the past two months, but the boyfriend of one of the women has been charged with murder, and officials don’t suspect foul play in the second woman’s death.
A frightening warning is being shared on social media lately: that a serial killer is at large in Baton Rouge, La.
"Police say he bumps women’s cars and then when you pull over pulls a gun and tells you to get in his car. Three women have been found in the Mississippi River. … The police say if someone bumps your car do NOT pull over instead call the police first."
This post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
We reached out to the Baton Rouge Police Department about the post and spoke to Sgt. L’Jean McKneely, who told us that officers are not investigating suspected serial killings.
"That’s the first I’ve heard of that," he said.
Featured Fact-check
The department also hasn’t received reports of a driver bumping into the back of women’s cars, he said.
In March, police recovered the body of a woman detectives said they believe was shot to death by her boyfriend. The woman’s body was found about 40 miles south of Baton Rouge, and her boyfriend was charged with murder.
And in April, authorities found the body of a missing Louisiana State University student in the river. Officials have said no foul play or criminal activity is suspected in her death.
We rate this post False.
Our Sources
Facebook post, April 15, 2021
The Advocate, Body found in Mississippi River identified as Baton Rouge woman, boyfriend arrested on murder, March 19, 2021
The Advocate, Kori Gauthier, missing LSU student, identified as body found in Mississippi River, April 14, 2021
Interview with Sgt. L’Jean McKneely, Baton Rouge Police Department, April 16, 2021
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Ciara O'Rourke
No, police aren’t investigating a suspected serial killer in Baton Rouge
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.