Smiley Face Gang

Two former police officers of New York City and some family members of victims believe that over 50 men whose death were ruled accidental drownings were actually killed by a group of murderers which have been nicknamed "Smiley Face Gang". Their belief originate from the fact that the symbol of a smiley face have been found at the crime scene of the men, which they believe were symbols for the police. Some serial killers leave symbols at the crime scene.abc: Real or Imagined: 'Smiley Face' Killers Targeting Young Men (March 23, 2009) Fox News: Detectives: 40 Drowning Victims May Have Been Murdered by 'Smiley Face Gang' (April 29, 2009)

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

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.

The word "sinsiniwa" was found at a crime scene in Michigan and detectives were perplexed as to its meaning and connection to the deaths. While investigating the drowning death of Matt Kruziki in Iowa, police found the same word. Kruziki's body was found on Sinsiniwa Avenue in Dubuque, Iowa.kspt: Chris Jenkins murder connects dozens around country (July 7, 2008)