Amity Under Shark Attack, Two Dead
By Kristen Phelps

When a local teen was found dead this morning, police suspected foul play, however, a second death is point towards a shark infestation. Both incidents are still under investigation, police are starting to take precautions to protect against third killing.



Two deaths have occurred within the past 24 hours here in Amity. Police were reasoning the first death to be foul play but after the highly public death of a second victim, they are reconsidering a shark infestation.

Christine W. Watson, 17, was found dead this morning in the dunes of South Beach . Watson, a senior at Amity High School was last seen alive at 11 pm leaving a party with Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III. When asked what happened Hoggenbottam responded, “I have no clue, I don’t remember.” Hoggenbottam, a sophomore at Trinity College and former Amity resident told police that Watson, a lifeguard at the island’s YMCA and talented swimmer, chose to go swimming in the 65 degree water late last night at a remote section of South beach near the bell buoy. Police have been informed that both Watson and Hoggenbottam had been drinking and perhaps engaging in recreational drugs last night.

Police took action around 6 a.m. this morning after they were notified by Hoggenbottam. Watson’s lifeless body was found severely mangled on the beach. The police are still investigating the origin of her attacker considering possibilities of murder, wild dogs, coyotes and maybe even shark attack. Amity police chief, Martin Brody assured residents and vacationers that it is highly unlikely it was a shark attack due to Amity’s clean history with shark attacks and because Watson’s body was found in the dunes. However, a second attack quickly changed the focus of the investigation.

Mass chaos erupted on the shore of Amity’s village beach when Alex B. Kinter, 10 was killed in a “vicious and unprovoked shark attack” just a couple hours ago. Prior to the incident, hundreds of sunbathers lined the beach, the sound of children playing and splashing could be heard, all seemed normal.

According to witnesses, Kitner was violently attacked while on his little, yellow, rubber raft around 2 p.m. A large thrashing in the water caught the attention of the other children in the water and soon the whole crowd was shrieking and screaming trying to get everyone to safety. Police have yet to find Kitner’s body, however, his raft was recovered with a large bite taken from it.

Kitner’s mother, Marion Kitner was present at the time of the attack; she has been taken to Amity General Hospital to be treated for shock. No other injuries occurred.

Police Chief Brody retracted his previous statement about the unlikelihood of Watson’s death being linked to a possible shark attack, “Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city.”
The police are conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone interested in attending a special meeting held by Police Chief Brody, Mayor Farley, and the Amity Board of Selectmen is invited to meet at 6 p.m. today in Town Hall. They will be discussing the plan of action regarding these two murders.