A social media post alleging that a serial killer has been targeting tattooed women in the Hamilton and Halton areas has gone viral, but police say there is no evidence to support the claim.
In a press release on Thursday, the Hamilton Police Service said it is aware of a viral post that's been floating around social media claiming to know some details about multiple ongoing investigations.
Police also shared a screenshot of the rumours circulating online.
"FYI, and not to freak anyone out, but I was speaking with a paramedic friend/patient of mine yesterday (they often work with the police, and apparently they're going to be reporting on this probably soon) that there is a serial killer targeting tattooed women in their 30s-40s in the Halton-Hamilton areas in the last few months apparently..." the screenshot of a text message shared on social media reads.
"Feel free to pass the info along to your networks so people are a bit more careful till this psycho is caught..." the message concludes.
A screenshot of the social media post.Hamilton Police Service
However, Hamilton police were quick to set the record straight.
"Investigators can confirm there is no evidence to suggest there are connections between outstanding missing persons in Hamilton or our neighbouring police services at this time," the press release reads.
Local authorities are continuing to look for missing persons 33-year-old Stacie Rasberry and 23-year-old Emily Bailey — last seen in Niagara on February 19 and in Hamilton on January 1, respectively.
According to investigators, Rasberry had checked into a shelter and receives medical assistance under the name of Sarah Marlow and was last seen wearing a black coat, pink scarf, red toque with a pom-pom and brown boots with fur at the top.
Bailey was last seen at a New Year's Eve party on Weir Street North before leaving an acquaintance's house the next day and hasn't been seen or heard from since, which her friends and family say is out of character for her.
Both missing women are described as having multiple visible tattoos.
Anyone with information about the viral social media post has been asked to contact Detective Constable Kim Walker at 905-540-6477.