The dead bodies of four people, including a woman, have been found on South Korea's Jeju Island in a span of three days, leading to online speculation that a serial killer is on the loose. More than a dozen people have gone missing in recent weeks, causing a police scandal over the closing of some cases too quickly, with even South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stepping in to reassure the public. Here is what's happening:<h2>Missing woman found dead near lodging, as growing cases lead to public alarm</h2>There is no evidence yet to confirm that a serial killer is operating on the island, but the public alarm is growing. The most prominent case involves 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who disappeared on May 12. Her body was found on Monday (Aug 24) in a highly decomposed state, at a palm farm in Hallim-eup, nearly a kilometre from where she had been staying. Police confirmed her identity through an autopsy, while separate DNA analysis is continuing.Investigators said her body showed no clear signs of external trauma. Its position led police to initially suspect hanging. However, the exact cause of death is still being investigated, with police also examining her mobile phone.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/obsessed-with-true-crime-and-serial-killer-dramas-here-s-what-psychologists-say-about-you-1782653423433">Obsessed with true crime and serial killer dramas? Here's what psychologists say about you</a><h2>Officer accused of falsely closing missing-person cases appears in court</h2>A police scandal is growing in parallel with the missing persons cases. At the centre of the controversy is a police officer who handled 298 missing-person reports over about 17 months. Authorities are now reviewing all the cases for possible irregularities. The officer appeared in court on Tuesday for an arrest-warrant hearing and faces allegations including dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records and obstruction of official duties.The missing persons cases exposed serious failures within the Jeju police, particularly involving this officer. He allegedly told Jang's boyfriend that he had contacted her and that she did not want her whereabouts disclosed. However, investigators found no supporting call records. The officer then closed the case and allegedly deleted related information from the police missing-person system.The same officer is accused of improperly closing another missing-person case involving a man in his 60s, who was found dead on August 22.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-a-serial-killer-german-scientists-find-4-traits-that-could-be-a-dead-giveaway-1763722088976">Who is a serial killer? German scientists find 4 traits that could be a dead giveaway</a><h2>Missing-person cases: Four senior officers removed</h2>The National Police Agency (NPA) placed four senior officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station on administrative leave, including the current and former station chiefs, along with two senior investigators.The move came amid growing concerns over supervision and how the officer was able to close cases without adequate checks. The NPA has also begun a wider review of missing-person procedures.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-police-caught-the-doctor-turned-serial-killer-8994106/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-police-caught-the-doctor-turned-serial-killer-8994106/embed</a><h2>Missing cases fuel claims about homicide, trafficking and a serial killer</h2>Social media posts have shown maps tracking missing-person cases on Jeju Island over several weeks, adding to speculation about a possible connection between the recent disappearances and deaths.However, the maps do not establish a common perpetrator, nor have police connected the four deaths. Claims of a serial killer, homicide or trafficking remain unverified.President Lee has ordered a thorough investigation into the handling of the cases and called for police reform. The NPA is also reviewing procedures, including stronger supervisory approval before missing-person cases can be closed.

Four missing people were found dead on South Korea’s Jeju Island within three days, fuelling serial-killer fears and online speculation. A police misconduct investigation is ongoing. The latest case of a woman's body being found has intensified scrutiny.



The dead bodies of four people, including a woman, have been found on South Korea's Jeju Island in a span of three days, leading to online speculation that a serial killer is on the loose. More than a dozen people have gone missing in recent weeks, causing a police scandal over the closing of some cases too quickly, with even South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stepping in to reassure the public. Here is what's happening: Missing woman found dead near lodging, as growing cases lead to public alarm There is no evidence yet to confirm that a serial killer is operating on the island, but the public alarm is growing. The most prominent case involves 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who disappeared on May 12. Her body was found on Monday (Aug 24) in a highly decomposed state, at a palm farm in Hallim-eup, nearly a kilometre from where she had been staying. Police confirmed her identity through an autopsy, while separate DNA analysis is continuing. Investigators said her body showed no clear signs of external trauma. Its position led police to initially suspect hanging. However, the exact cause of death is still being investigated, with police also examining her mobile phone. Also read: Obsessed with true crime and serial killer dramas? Here's what psychologists say about you Officer accused of falsely closing missing-person cases appears in court A police scandal is growing in parallel with the missing persons cases. At the centre of the controversy is a police officer who handled 298 missing-person reports over about 17 months. Authorities are now reviewing all the cases for possible irregularities. The officer appeared in court on Tuesday for an arrest-warrant hearing and faces allegations including dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records and obstruction of official duties. The missing persons cases exposed serious failures within the Jeju police, particularly involving this officer. He allegedly told Jang's boyfriend that he had contacted her and that she did not want her whereabouts disclosed. However, investigators found no supporting call records. The officer then closed the case and allegedly deleted related information from the police missing-person system. The same officer is accused of improperly closing another missing-person case involving a man in his 60s, who was found dead on August 22. Also read: Who is a serial killer? German scientists find 4 traits that could be a dead giveaway Missing-person cases: Four senior officers removed The National Police Agency (NPA) placed four senior officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station on administrative leave, including the current and former station chiefs, along with two senior investigators. The move came amid growing concerns over supervision and how the officer was able to close cases without adequate checks. The NPA has also begun a wider review of missing-person procedures. https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-police-caught-the-doctor-turned-serial-killer-8994106/embed Missing cases fuel claims about homicide, trafficking and a serial killer Social media posts have shown maps tracking missing-person cases on Jeju Island over several weeks, adding to speculation about a possible connection between the recent disappearances and deaths. However, the maps do not establish a common perpetrator, nor have police connected the four deaths. Claims of a serial killer, homicide or trafficking remain unverified. President Lee has ordered a thorough investigation into the handling of the cases and called for police reform. The NPA is also reviewing procedures, including stronger supervisory approval before missing-person cases can be closed.

Four missing people were found dead on South Korea’s Jeju Island within three days, fuelling serial-killer fears and online speculation. A police misconduct investigation is ongoing. The latest case of a woman's body being found has intensified scrutiny.&nbsp;

Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

Twenty-five years ago, the world was introduced to Wayne Adam Ford, who confessed to killing and mutilating four women. The serial killer turned himself in. He walked right into the sheriff's office in Humboldt County, California, with the breast of one of his victims in his pocket.

While three of Ford's victims were identified, one remained 'Jane Doe' all these years. After more than two decades, the police have successfully put a name to her.

<h2>Jane Doe</h2>

The woman has now been identified as 25-year-old Kerry Ann Cummings. In October 1997, her torso was discovered in Ryan Slough, a stream in Eureka, California. More remains of the victim, as per The Daily Beast, were found on Clam Beach in January 1998.

A year later, when Wayne Adam Ford confessed to being a serial killer, he claimed responsibility for killing four women, including the one whose torso was found in Ryan Slough. More of her body parts were&nbsp;found in Ford's encampment after he turned himself in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-youngest-serial-killers-in-the-world-1684682305731" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-youngest-serial-killers-in-the-world-1684682305731&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEz4nb8LL_AhUuZmwGHZSBBqIQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw362yk0TkqheOuzzIT7TdVo" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-youngest-serial-killers-in-the-world-1684682305731" target="_blank">World's 10 Most Horrifying Young&nbsp;Serial Killers</a>

However, in spite of many attempts, police were unable to identify who the woman found in Ryan Slough was. They had her DNA, which was run through databases periodically. However, the police failed to get any matches that could reveal her identity.

<h2>How did they finally&nbsp;identify serial killer Wayne Adam Ford's victim?</h2>

California justice officials teamed up with a private lab called Othram. They used the emerging investigative techniques of forensic genealogy to build a family tree for 'Jane Doe'.

Their investigation led them to a potential close relative of the unnamed victim. The person confirmed that a female member of the family named Kerry Ann Cummings had been missing since the mid-1990s.

<h2>Who was Kerry Ann Cummings?</h2>

According to The Daily Beast, Cummings was mentally ill and left her home to couch-serve in Eugene, Oregon in 1997. She was 25.

Reportedly, the family lost touch with her and tried to report her missing. They even hired a private detective to investigate the missing woman.

As per a statement released by the sheriff's office on Wednesday: "Unfortunately, back then they were told that Kerry was an adult, that she had chosen the lifestyle, and that if she wasn’t a threat to herself or others, there was nothing that [law enforcement] could do."

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/top-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world-1686070373159" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/top-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world-1686070373159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEz4nb8LL_AhUuZmwGHZSBBqIQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KlCU1BGMc44EgDY78cc4F" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/top-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world-1686070373159" target="_blank">10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World</a>

Kerry's sister Kathie told the sheriff's office that "As the internet expanded, I took to searching the NamUs website when I was missing her, scanning for mention of her tattoo and searching through the pictures of the Jane Does. She was dearly loved."

The victim's remains will now be released to her family so that she can be laid to rest with the rest of her family. As for her killer, Wayne Adam Ford has been behind bars for the last 25 years, he was sentenced to death in August 2006 and is currently waiting on death row.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Twenty-five years ago, the world was introduced to Wayne Adam Ford, who confessed to killing and mutilating four women. The serial killer turned himself in. He walked right into the sheriff's office in Humboldt County, California, with the breast of one of his victims in his pocket.

Twenty-five years ago, the world was introduced to Wayne Adam Ford, who confessed to killing and mutilating four women. The serial killer turned himself in. He walked right into the sheriff's office in Humboldt County, California, with the breast of one of his victims in his pocket. While three of Ford's victims were identified, one remained 'Jane Doe' all these years. After more than two decades, the police have successfully put a name to her. Jane Doe The woman has now been identified as 25-year-old Kerry Ann Cummings. In October 1997, her torso was discovered in Ryan Slough, a stream in Eureka, California. More remains of the victim, as per The Daily Beast, were found on Clam Beach in January 1998. A year later, when Wayne Adam Ford confessed to being a serial killer, he claimed responsibility for killing four women, including the one whose torso was found in Ryan Slough. More of her body parts were found in Ford's encampment after he turned himself in. Also read | World's 10 Most Horrifying Young Serial Killers However, in spite of many attempts, police were unable to identify who the woman found in Ryan Slough was. They had her DNA, which was run through databases periodically. However, the police failed to get any matches that could reveal her identity. How did they finally identify serial killer Wayne Adam Ford's victim? California justice officials teamed up with a private lab called Othram. They used the emerging investigative techniques of forensic genealogy to build a family tree for 'Jane Doe'. Their investigation led them to a potential close relative of the unnamed victim. The person confirmed that a female member of the family named Kerry Ann Cummings had been missing since the mid-1990s. Who was Kerry Ann Cummings? According to The Daily Beast, Cummings was mentally ill and left her home to couch-serve in Eugene, Oregon in 1997. She was 25. Reportedly, the family lost touch with her and tried to report her missing. They even hired a private detective to investigate the missing woman. As per a statement released by the sheriff's office on Wednesday: "Unfortunately, back then they were told that Kerry was an adult, that she had chosen the lifestyle, and that if she wasn’t a threat to herself or others, there was nothing that [law enforcement] could do." Also read | 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World Kerry's sister Kathie told the sheriff's office that "As the internet expanded, I took to searching the NamUs website when I was missing her, scanning for mention of her tattoo and searching through the pictures of the Jane Does. She was dearly loved." The victim's remains will now be released to her family so that she can be laid to rest with the rest of her family. As for her killer, Wayne Adam Ford has been behind bars for the last 25 years, he was sentenced to death in August 2006 and is currently waiting on death row. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

25 years after murder, serial killer Wayne Adam Ford's victim identified

A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975. Mackay was jailed for killing two elderly women and a priest. He briefly also admitted to eight other killings before retracting the confession. The now 70-year-old, who is believed to be UK's longest-serving killer, is up for a parole hearing next month. However, families of his victims and former police chief, Retired Detective Inspector Ken Tappenden, who is part of the team credited for catching Mackay, warn that even after almost five decades, the serial killer remains a danger to society.

Tappenden, a member of the Kent Police team that apprehended the serial killer, as per Daily Mail, has warned that "Mackay should never be freed. He could turn and become extremely dangerous."

Gareth Johnson, an MP for Dartford in Kent, where Mackay was raised, has expressed a fear that the killer's freedom bid may succeed, given that he isn't as notorious as some other murderers. "If he's free, I don't think the country will be safe," he remarked, and added that the public must be made aware of Mackay's crimes.

MacKay has reportedly changed his identity during his years in prison and now goes by the name David Groves. Currently, he is in an open prison near Bristol and is even allowed day-release trips.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/delhi-crimes-gruesome-cases-that-shocked-the-indian-national-capital-534837">'Delhi crimes': Gruesome cases that shocked the Indian national capital</a>

"The nature of his crimes is so severe he should die in prison," says Johnson.&nbsp;Mackay's&nbsp; crimes are also the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary, Confessions Of A Psycho Killer.

Mackay was diagnosed as a psychopath at the young age of 15 years. His victims include 87-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths from Chelsea and 89-year-old Adele Price, from Kensington; both died of strangulation. He split open the skull of his third victim, 62-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean, using an axe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-fbis-top-10-most-wanted-list-of-criminals-that-you-need-to-lookout-for-553499">In pics: FBI's top 10 most wanted list of criminals, that you need to lookout for</a>

Now, as per the Mirror, the Parole Board will evaluate whether Mackay can be granted freedom. The Board will grill him about the eight murders he had confessed to and&nbsp;subsequently retracted.&nbsp;

The publication quoting an anonymous source reports that the serial killer "will have to convince the panel his 'confession' to other murders was the ramblings of a man who was mentally ill at the time."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975.

A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975. Mackay was jailed for killing two elderly women and a priest. He briefly also admitted to eight other killings before retracting the confession. The now 70-year-old, who is believed to be UK's longest-serving killer, is up for a parole hearing next month. However, families of his victims and former police chief, Retired Detective Inspector Ken Tappenden, who is part of the team credited for catching Mackay, warn that even after almost five decades, the serial killer remains a danger to society. Tappenden, a member of the Kent Police team that apprehended the serial killer, as per Daily Mail, has warned that "Mackay should never be freed. He could turn and become extremely dangerous." Gareth Johnson, an MP for Dartford in Kent, where Mackay was raised, has expressed a fear that the killer's freedom bid may succeed, given that he isn't as notorious as some other murderers. "If he's free, I don't think the country will be safe," he remarked, and added that the public must be made aware of Mackay's crimes. MacKay has reportedly changed his identity during his years in prison and now goes by the name David Groves. Currently, he is in an open prison near Bristol and is even allowed day-release trips. Also read | 'Delhi crimes': Gruesome cases that shocked the Indian national capital "The nature of his crimes is so severe he should die in prison," says Johnson. Mackay's crimes are also the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary, Confessions Of A Psycho Killer. Mackay was diagnosed as a psychopath at the young age of 15 years. His victims include 87-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths from Chelsea and 89-year-old Adele Price, from Kensington; both died of strangulation. He split open the skull of his third victim, 62-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean, using an axe. Also read | In pics: FBI's top 10 most wanted list of criminals, that you need to lookout for Now, as per the Mirror, the Parole Board will evaluate whether Mackay can be granted freedom. The Board will grill him about the eight murders he had confessed to and subsequently retracted. The publication quoting an anonymous source reports that the serial killer "will have to convince the panel his 'confession' to other murders was the ramblings of a man who was mentally ill at the time." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know

The Nepalese Supreme Court, on Wednesday (December 20), ordered the release of a French national serial killer and conman, Charles Sobhraj, who is serving his time in prison in Nepal after being convicted for the murder of two North American tourists in the country.

Serial killer Charles Sobhraj to be freed from Nepal prison after 19 years

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Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

25 years after murder, serial killer Wayne Adam Ford's victim identified

UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know

Serial killer Charles Sobhraj to be freed from Nepal prison after 19 years