Killer Instincts

Chapter Five

BREAKING NEWS: Two University of Arizona Students Found Dead in Gruesome Downtown Murders

Bailey sat frozen on the couch, her laptop forgotten on the coffee table, as the Breaking News banner flashed across the TV screen. The newscaster's voice, usually a low background hum during her evening routine, suddenly commanded her full attention. She had been catching up on some homework, but the moment she heard, "University of Arizona students found dead," her heart dropped.

Her hands trembled as she grabbed the remote, turning up the volume. 

"In a shocking turn of events, the bodies of two University of Arizona students, identified as Mia Hernandez and Carlos Alvarez, were discovered late last night in a secluded alleyway in downtown Tucson."  The names "Mia Hernandez" and "Carlos Alvarez" sent a wave of nausea through her. She barely registered the details that followed—something about their bodies being found in an alley downtown, police treating it as a homicide. The names echoed in her mind, their faces flashing through her memory. Mia and Carlos had been acquaintances, faces she had passed in the union, and through the quad, friends of friends. And now, just like Khloe, they were gone. The brutal reality hit hard, and Bailey felt the weight of grief and dread settle deep in her chest.

"Police were called to the scene after a passerby reported seeing what they described as "something unusual" in the alley behind a row of local businesses. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Hernandez and Alvarez, both 21, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Details about the nature of their deaths have not yet been released. Still, law enforcement officials have confirmed that the incident appears to bear similarities to a series of unsolved killings that have put the city on edge." Bailey's hands gripped the remote, knuckles white, as the report continued.

"Chief of Police, David Ramirez, held a press conference early this morning to address the growing concern. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of two young lives. The Tucson Police Department is doing everything in its power to investigate these senseless acts of violence. We ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as we work to bring those responsible to justice." According to friends and classmates, Mia and Carlos were well-known on campus for their close friendship and involvement in various student organizations. Hernandez was a junior studying fine arts, described by those who knew her as a passionate and vibrant personality with a love for local art and culture. Alvarez, a senior majoring in business administration, was equally admired for his sharp wit and leadership skills." 

Bailey's heart sank further. She felt the familiar weight of frustration and helplessness settle into her chest. It wasn't just fear she felt—it was anger. Anger that two more people had been ripped away and that the killer was still out there, watching, waiting. And the thought that this had happened to Mia and Carlos, people who were people who were part of her world, made it all the more unbearable.

"The murders have sent shockwaves through both the university community and the city at large, with students now grappling with fear and uncertainty following this brutal crime." The newscaster continues. "Authorities have yet to confirm whether the deaths of Hernandez and Alvarez are connected to a possible serial killer in the area, but their deaths mark the latest in a series of grisly incidents."

"While police have not provided specific details, insiders suggest that the killings may bear the hallmarks of the notorious "Phantom Ripper"—a name that has become synonymous with the recent series of murders in Tucson. The killer's precise methods and ability to evade capture have left the community on edge, with students now being advised to travel in groups and avoid isolated areas after dark." 

The words "Phantom Ripper" sent a chill down her spine. Bailey had spent hours poring over the details of the previous murders, and now, Mia and Carlos were part of that grim pattern. She had known the danger was real, but this? This made it personal. These weren't just victims in a case she was studying. They were part of her world. Her pulse quickened, and her stomach twisted as she listened, her mind racing with questions. Why them? Why now? And, more terrifyingly, who would be next?