Smiley Face Gang

More than 40 drownings of young men are linked to a national gang called the "Smiley Face Gang."

It is believed that the drownings are linked by a smiley face spray-painted near the scenes where some of the victims were discovered and the fact that each victim fits a "profile" of other victims.

The Victims

The victims were mostly white college students, 19-to-23-years-old, having high grades and were notable athletes. Most of them were found to be intoxicated at the time of their deaths.

The victims are spread over 25 cities in 11 states including Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Patrick McNeill is thought to be the first victim. McNeill's body was found in New York City in 1997 and the drowning was initially considered to be accidental.

The Detectives

Detectives Anthony Duarte and Kevin Gannon have been investigating the drownings since 1997. They believe the drownings are related and are making details public in an effort to gain help because they're out of finances and can no longer work on the cases. Both detectives are retired from the New York Police Department but continue to work on the cases.

Sinsiniwa

The word "sinsiniwa" was found at a crime scene in Michigan and detectives were perplexed as to its meaning and connection to the Smiley Face Gang. While investigating the drowning death of Matt Kruziki in Iowa, police found the same word. Kruziki's scent was traced by bloodhounds to an intersection at the Mississippi River where one of the streets is named "Sinsiniwa Avenue."

Fast Facts

1. 89 deaths investigated, 30 ruled out, 19 yet to be investigated
2. Detectives believe the gang is purposely leaving clues
3. At least 4 deaths in New York City
4. Some victims drowned on same day leading police to believe it's a gang

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