William Evans 6815

William B. Evans

(File Photo)

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans on Tuesday batted down Internet speculation that there's a serial killer out there killing young men and dumping them in bodies of water in and around the city.

Appearing on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio" show, Evans responded to a caller who asked about young men who have been found dead in the water. Alcohol is the culprit, Evans said, calling their deaths a tragedy.

Evans said he deploys detectives to check bars, especially in the downtown area, for over-serving customers. The detectives also seek to educate bar employees about watching for people's safety as they leave the establishment, according to the commissioner.

"There's no one out there killing these kids," Evans said. "We gotta educate the kids, especially if they're not from the city. They shouldn't be taking shortcuts to the train station or leaving their friends."

Evans added, "Friends gotta be good friends and not let their friends wander when they're in that type of shape."

Evans acknowledged that there have been some attempts on the Internet to link the deaths of various college-age men.

"There's no sinister plot out there," he stressed in the radio interview.

Evans added that he feels the pain of the parents of the young men. "It's all our worst nightmare," he said, adding that he has a 24-year-old son.

"He's a great kid, but he goes out," Evans said. "And I always warn him, John, be careful. If you're drinking, this stuff happens."