Chrissie

Local Teen Dies in Possible Shark Attack

Police have begun the investigation of the tragic death of a local teenage girl on the beach in Amity.

Last night, Chrissie Watson, 17, of 23 Sharkstooth St. Amity, was at a beach party were alcohol was involved. There, she met a man identified as Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III, and the two decided to go swimming near the South Beach Shoal buoy.

“I saw [Watson] leave the party, she ran out and Hoggenbottom followed,” said Erika Dupervil, a party attendant.

Upon reaching the beach, Watson was able to get into the water, but after some time Hoggnbottam reported to have passed out on the edge of the beach. “I saw him with a couple of beers,” said Dupervil, when asked about Hogganbottam’s state of intoxication.

When Watson did not return from the water this morning, Hoggenbottam reported the girl missing to Amity Police. After a brief search, police were able to locate a body. There was severe mauling by an “attacker of unknown origin” according to police. Her body has been transported to the coroner’s office for an official autopsy.

“We have no suspects whatsoever, and we are not looking into any suspects,” said Police Chief Martin S. Brody. Police, however, are continuing to investigate the death of Watson.

 “There is no evidence that this could be a shark attack,” said Brody, saying it was possible that it was a stalker in the dunes or some other wild animal as well.

While shark attack is a possibility, the police assure that the beaches are still safe and that residents and guests are in no danger. The beaches are to remain open, pending further investigation.