Community Corner

Zombie Apocalypse: What's Your Take?

Why do you think the lines between fantasy and reality have blurred as of late?

It started with one grisly attack in Miami and has since spread to include numerous accounts of cannibalism, violence and self-mutilation across the United States.

News of the so-called Zombie Apocalypse has become so widespread recently, even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control got into the act, trying to quell fears. That agency says there’s no cause for concern.

“(The) CDC does not know of a virus or condition that would reanimate the dead or one that would present zombie-like symptoms,” David Daigle, a spokesman for the CDC told The Huffington Post

Find out what's happening in Temple Terracewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even so as the number of violent stories pile up, some find themselves wondering just what is going on. Are these completely coincidental attacks, possibly related to the use of illegal bath salts? Or, were the Mayans right and the end is really nigh?

What do you think is behind the rash of “zombie-like” attacks? Let us know your take in the comments section.

Find out what's happening in Temple Terracewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Just in case you’re behind on the news or haven’t heard about some of the dots that connect to give life to the rumors of an impending “zombie apocalypse” here’s a snapshot of some of the most recent crimes:

  • On May 26, Miami’s Rudy Eugene stripped naked and attacked Ronald Poppo, a 65-year-old homeless man. Eugene is said to have chewed off a large portion of Poppo’s face. Eugene continued his attack on Poppo until police were forced to shoot and kill him, according to The Los Angeles Times. Some are blaming this attack on the use of illegal bath salts, according to ABC Action News. Eugene's girlfriend, however, thinks he might have been placed under a "voodoo curse," according to the LA Times story.
  • On May 27, just a day after the Miami incident, Wayne Carter of Hackensack, N.J., is said to have stabbed himself multiple times, eventually cutting out his own entrails. When he was confronted by police, Carter threw pieces of flesh and intestines at the officers.
  • Just a few days later, a Maryland man was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his roommate. Police say Alexander Kinyua, 21, ate his victim’s heart and a portion of his brain.

Tragic news stories aside, the "zombie apocalypse" has also become a sizzling hot pop culture trend. With shows like "The Walking Dead" putting zombies in the spotlight and "survival groups" such as Zombie Apocalpyse Preparation popping up on Facebook, it looks like zombies just might take a bite out of vampires as the monster of choice for this decade. Zombiefest even made a splash in Pasco County not too long ago.

Let us know what you think is going on in the comments section.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Temple Terrace