SAN ANTONIO -- Mysterious circumstances surround the deaths of six women whose bodies were discovered in Bexar County within the past six months, and so far investigators have very few leads.
However, they have confirmed there are some similarities among the cases, including the fact that most of the bodies were found on the same side of town.
In May of 2012, the body of 33-year-old Brandy Sheppard was discovered outside the Paradise Men's Club on the city's northeast side.
Police say it appeared Sheppard had been dumped near the strip club.
Just a few days later, the charred remains of Jacqueline Johnson were noticed by a passerby in the 100 block of Shrader.
The news was devastating for loved ones, who at first didn't know what had happened to the beloved 25-year-old. Johnson's body was so badly burned that it took several attempts to even pull a legible fingerprint.
The way my sister was murdered was just horrific, says Ginger Ferguson.
About a month later, the remains of 27-year-old Jennifer Gonzales were discovered in a field in the 600 block of Carroll Avenue. Police believe she, too, was dumped at that location.
Three women dead in three months, and the clues point to foul play.
However, the deaths didn't stop after July.
In August, a fourth body was found near a downtown highway.
The body of 38-year-old Cynthia Rodriguez was found lying dead in the grass near West Boyer Avenue and I-37 South. Then in early October, Vanessa Lopez was discovered in the San Antonio River. Investigators believe her body had been in the water for two or three days before it was discovered.
About three weeks ago, a bicyclist spotted Stephanie Garcia's nude body on Roland Avenue near Terron Road. Investigators say she had bruising around her neck.
Now authorities are looking into the cases of six dead women within six months.
All were found partially nude, and five of their bodies were discovered within a few miles of each other on the city's east side.
But Chief William McManus said, There's absolutely no evidence to support the possibility of a serial killer.
More questions center around the cause of each death. While the cases raise suspicion, the Bexar County Medical Examiner has ruled almost all of them undetermined at this time.
These deaths are not all homicides either. We have not proven that. So to assume that is really making a big leap without any basis for doing so, McManus said.
Those with information on the deceased women are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP.
