Is the ‘Grey Tacoma Man’ a serial killer? Chilling theory grips New England, spreads on social media

A theory circulating on social media alleges that a man driving a grey Toyota Tacoma is responsible for several women’s disappearances and human remains found in the New England area, leading some to think a previously unknown serial killer is on the loose. 

Although law enforcement has said there’s no known connection between the women’s deaths and the remains who have yet to be identified, this figure, dubbed the “Grey Tacoma Man theory,”  has become the focal point of much online speculation, with some suggesting he may be a serial killer operating undetected.​ 

For now, it’s important to remember the owner of the grey Tacoma pictured in these posts has not been charged with any crime, nor is he known to have any connection to the women who have been found dead or disappeared. But let’s examine the theory and why New England residents and some on social media think they may have an important clue in the case. 

The origins of the “Grey Tacoma Man” theory

The “Grey Tacoma Man” theory gained traction after several Reddit threads and true crime podcasts discussed similarities among various missing person cases in the region. One such podcast, The Armchair Detective, posited that a long-haul trucker could be responsible for multiple disappearances over three decades, drawing parallels to notorious serial killers like Gary Ridgway.

Social media platforms amplified these discussions, with users sharing maps, timelines, and anecdotal accounts linking the grey Tacoma to various incidents. The narrative quickly spread, fueled by the public’s fascination with mysteries and the accessibility of online platforms for amateur sleuthing.​

Despite the theory’s popularity online, law enforcement agencies have not confirmed any connections between the cases, as we mentioned earlier, or any link to the owner of the grey Tacoma. 

Similarly, the Seattle Police Department addressed a separate but comparable situation in 2022, where rumors of a serial killer targeting homeless individuals spread on social media. The department clarified that there was no evidence supporting such claims and urged the public to rely on verified information, according to ​The Spectator.

Is John Newman the “grey Tacoma” man?

@wfsbnews

Rumors are swirling about a possible serial killer in New England after multiple human remains have been found in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Yesterday, Connecticut State Police investigated human remains found in Danielson. Less than 30 minutes away, human remains in Foster, Rhode Island were identified as a 56-year-old woman. Today, Groton police asked for help identifying human remains found in March. Police have not been able to identify the remains, but they do know she was an adult woman with light skin between the ages of 40 and 60. They also believe she may have had Turner Syndrome. “Individuals with Turner Syndrome often display physical characteristics such as short stature, broad chest, short wide neck, and small chin,” police said. #connecticut #localnews #wfsb #breakingnews #truecrimetok #rhodeisland #serialkiller #newengland #missingpersons #policeinvestigation #statepolice

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John Newman, a 47-year-old man from Moosup, Connecticut, was arrested on April 12, 2025, for allegedly resisting arrest and confronting police officers with an object at a Cumberland Farms store in Plainfield. He was charged with interfering with an officer and held on a $5,000 bond. Local law enforcement has not said Newman is related to any ongoing homicide investigations in the region, Rhode Island news outlet ​WJAR reported.

Despite this, social media platforms like TikTok have seen a surge in speculation linking Newman to the “Grey Tacoma Man.” These theories are based on unverified claims and have not been substantiated by official sources. Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed any connections between Newman and the recent discoveries of human remains in New England.​

Several women have died, and some remains have not yet been identified

Tacoma Man theory aside, in April 2025, speculation about a potential serial killer in New England intensified when at least six women’s bodies were found across coastal towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island since March. The proximity and timing of these cases have concerned the public, though enforcement has said there is no definitive link established between them.

The unsettling pattern began on March 6, when the body of Paige Fannon, 35, was found in the Norwalk River, Connecticut. That same day, a human skull was discovered in the woods off Route 3 in Plymouth.

On March 19, the remains of a woman aged 40–60 were found in a suitcase near Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton, Connecticut. A few days later, the body of Denise Leary, 59, was discovered in New Haven, Connecticut. Since then, Michele Romano, 56, was found deceased in Foster, Rhode Island. On April 9, unidentified human remains were discovered on Woodward Street in Killingly, Connecticut.

These cases have led to public speculation about a serial offender. However, authorities have not confirmed any connections between the incidents and have urged the public not to jump to conclusions. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities emphasize the importance of relying on verified information. They caution against the spread of unverified claims that can hinder investigative efforts.

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