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.