Fourth body in April pulled from D.C. waterway

WASHINGTON – For the fourth time in April, a body has been pulled out of a D.C. waterway, officials say.

The most recent discovery was made Wednesday afternoon in the Georgetown area of the Potomac River. It was floating in the water west of the Key Bridge. The Washington Post reports two kayakers retrieved the body of an adult male around 12:20 p.m.

Authorities say there are no signs of foul play in at least two of the cases. Despite finding one body per week in April, police do not think the incidents are connected.

Earlier this month, the body of an Iraq war veteran was found in the Anacostia River. Arlester Jay, 36, from Prince George’s County, Md., had been reported missing since early March. His father told police his son was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, The Washington Post reports. The family believes Jay was murdered, and homicide detectives were assigned to the case.

A cause of death has not been determined.

Less than a week later, the body of 63-year-old Robert Groshan was discovered near the 14th Street Bridge, the Post reports. Police suspect Groshan killed himself, but have not made a final determination.

Last Thursday, the body of a Chicago tourist was found in the Tidal Basin. He had been reported missing since Easter weekend. Sarath Kumar Potharaju, 35, disappeared while sightseeing with relatives. Police think he might have fallen into the water. Potharaju did know how to swim.

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