PIEHL: Smiley Face: Petition Update

From Investigative Reporter, Kristi Piehl
The deadline is passed, but the petitions are still coming in. That's the word from Chris Jenkins' father, Steve.

I've blogged before that Bill Szostak, the father of a drowning victim, is trying to pressure the FBI to launch a formal investigation into the drownings of 40 men over the last decade. The calls by three Congressmen have not helped so Szostak believes the best way is the power of the public.

All summer, Szostak and Jenkins have gathered signatures for a petition that will be delivered to the FBI in October. Even though the deadline for the petition drive was Sept. 15, they are still accepting and soliciting petitions. Right now, they have more than 9000 signed petitions. Their goal is 10,000.

At the Chris Jenkin's 5K run and fundraiser in October, Chris' friends and family will be gathering more petition signatures.

As for the "Smiley Face Killer" investigation, there is still an active one by Bill Szostak with the assistance of Kevin Gannon and Anthony Duarte in Albany, NY. I'll keep you posted.....

Smiley Face Killers News Conference

Kevin Gannon Speaks At The News Conference:

PIEHL: Smiley Investigation: Advice From Parents

Many of the emails that I've received ask about the pattern of the drownings. The majority take place between September and April.

Police officials say this is because it's when schools are in session and college parties are in full swing.

The retired NY Detectives actively investigating the connection between the drownings and the Smiley Face Killers have a different explanation. They say the victims are killed or placed in the water in colder weather because fewer people would be outside to witness the crime. Because of the ice on the water, the Detectives say the killers know it will take months before the body is discovered. When the body is in the water longer, nearly all of the forensic evidence is washed away.

While there is disagreement about what happens to the men, we do know that these drownings continue to happen. Now that it is fall, parents of the young men who have drowned, tell me they fear that the pattern will begin again. There are ways to keep your sons and brothers safe. It's pretty simple---drink responsibly and don't leave bars or house parties alone.