New serial killer in New England vs. 1980's Connecticut River Valley Killer

[XCalibur]

I'm assuming some of you all have read there is a possible new serial killer in New England as ten bodies in similar states have been found in the past couple months. I think its noteworthy, you don't often see serial killers make headlines these days even though there are plenty operating today, and I'm sure there are multiple reasons for that I haven't given much thought. I don't think the authorities have definitively linked all these deaths as of yet

But it did make me think back to the Connecticut River serial killer of the 1980's who was profiled on Unsolved Mysteries. The one who supposedly attacked the Jane woman at the vending machine. Some thought it was Michael Nicholeau

Now to be clear I know its highly, highly unlikely this is the same guy, since he would have to be at least in his 60's now, more than likely 70's since his first murder was in 1978 he couldn't have been born any earlier than 1960 or so.

Still though, given the fact that he was never caught you have to admit its a little eerie this guy is operating in the same area. I thought it was worth a revisit of that case and merited discussion.

Has anyone read anything about the new killer's MO and how similar it may have been to the 1980's slayings? Whoever this is, seems he is killing at a greater frequency too.

[dynoguy88]

I'll have to do some research about what is currently happening in the New England area with a possible killer. But before even reading about it, I have my doubts that they could be one in the same. The passage of time is a big factor but also noting that nearly all of the victims by the Connecticut River Valley killer were much easier to pull off in the 80's. Hitchhiking, late at night rest stop visits and abducting a woman from a payphone after midnight...these are all situations that are far less likely to happen today. In the 80's, however, they were extremely easy access to victims.

Again, I have to catch up on the current situation of killings but the chances of this being the same guy after 40 years would be slim.

[tvscript124]

Originally Posted by dynoguy88

I'll have to do some research about what is currently happening in the New England area with a possible killer. But before even reading about it, I have my doubts that they could be one in the same. The passage of time is a big factor but also noting that nearly all of the victims by the Connecticut River Valley killer were much easier to pull off in the 80's. Hitchhiking, late at night rest stop visits and abducting a woman from a payphone after midnight...these are all situations that are far less likely to happen today. In the 80's, however, they were extremely easy access to victims.

Again, I have to catch up on the current situation of killings but the chances of this being the same guy after 40 years would be slim.

People have changed their habits in the last 40 years due to awareness and the proliferation of true crime shows, which Unsolved Mysteries pretty much pioneered, and also Ring doorbell videos and wall to wall coverage of serial killers. Plus, you don't even have payphones anymore at least in the US. EVERYONE either has a cell phone or is with someone who does. Plus, everything is on camera now, for good or bad. There are always ways the bad guys can get to you, no matter how careful you are.

That being said, the fact that the killing spree continues is disturbing to say the least. I too don't know if it's the same guy just based on age.

[XCalibur]

Originally Posted by dynoguy88

I'll have to do some research about what is currently happening in the New England area with a possible killer. But before even reading about it, I have my doubts that they could be one in the same. The passage of time is a big factor but also noting that nearly all of the victims by the Connecticut River Valley killer were much easier to pull off in the 80's. Hitchhiking, late at night rest stop visits and abducting a woman from a payphone after midnight...these are all situations that are far less likely to happen today. In the 80's, however, they were extremely easy access to victims.

Again, I have to catch up on the current situation of killings but the chances of this being the same guy after 40 years would be slim.

yeah, as I said I'm not making a serious contention its the same guy. Just based on what the age would have to be I'd be shocked. I'd only give it about a 5% chance if that.

I just felt that it was worth mentioning since these killings are springing up in the same era, and that guy was never caught.

But there is a frustrating lack of info on either case. its not clear if they have even linked all 1980's murders to one man or if they possess any DNA like they did with the Golden State killer. Or even these most recent murders they don't know if they are all linked either.

I do know as recently as last year in 2024 they were investigating leads on the 1980's murders, didn't give many details just said they were searching the property of a known suspect who has been a person of interest for a long time, but nothing after that. Also there was that guy who the victim Jane identified by a photo, and there is no info on whether that was followed up either. This lack of info makes me wonder if the authorities are closing in on anyone in either case and don't want to release to much. I know the man who Jane identified in that photo is now deceased, but not the man whose property the authorities searched. But again, its unclear if the authorities believe Jane's attacker at the vending machine was the Connecticut River Valley killer, if there was only one.

Any info anyone can gather and post on either case would be much appreciated. I doubt they are linked but it would be interesting to know how similar they are.