Suspicious Drownings Part 2: A Deep Dive Into Lady Bird Lake

Missing Magnolias

{Part 2} Re-joining us is our full panel from Part 1, here to discuss some updates in 2024 on the drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Particularly, a survivor Jeff Jones, who sustained life threatening injuries after falling off the bridge, just missing the Shoal Creek. The discovery of Rohypnol in his toxicology report fueled speculation about whether he fell or was pushed.

Rather than a targeted serial killer, the group posits that what if these men were not the intended victims. What if there is a conspiracy of drink spiking at the bars? What drug groups should be screened for and how do we better instruct the community to be cautious? Some key issues that were grazed: specialty tests are expensive and are rarely administered in drowning cases. If there is a drugging and/or date rape problem in Austin, there is a need for better toxicology screening and better surveillance for 'hot spots', along with participation from the community and the city on creating more awareness and better safeguards.