KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Several bags filled with a mysterious, foul-smelling liquid are still popping up on a South Knoxville road after months of complaints and concerns, and residents in the area still want answers.
"Soupgate" is a group on social media dedicated to tracking down the person responsible for littering the liquid-filled bags. The group has become so popular that it was discussed on a national, award-winning podcast — the Last Podcast on the Left.
"On Pickens Gap Road in Knoxville, they keep finding bags of gross liquid," said Ed Larson, one of the podcast's hosts.
"They're finding soup! Soupwatch!" said Henry Zebrowski, another host of the podcast.
The hosts had been discussing the bags after talking about other situations across the country involving large amounts of food and ingredients left outside. During the podcast, the hosts said the South Knoxville story was submitted by a listener.
After months and more than 40 bags of mysterious liquid littered in South Knoxville, the "Soupgate" group was formed.
"It was kinda funny but also kinda serious, but enough to at least address and make a group about," said Drew Smith, the group's creator.
The group now has over 700 members.
"It ended up blowing up more than I thought it would," said Smith.
Members of the group said they were working together to find the culprit while also cracking a few jokes.
"It is something that has brought everyone together, because we want it to stop and we think it's kind of funny — but not funny enough to continue," said Smith.
While the scandal has caused more than a few laughs, many residents are ready for the whole thing to come to an end.
"It's just nasty. It stinks, and it just makes a mess all over the road," said South Knoxville resident, VW Scout. "I think it's happened long enough." said Smith.
Until the suspicious bags stop appearing, the community plans to continue to work together to solve the mystery.
"It doesn't make no sense. It's wild either way, and I just want to know why," said Smith.
WBIR reached out to the Knox County Sheriff's Office for additional updates on the case and asked if there have been any arrests, but did not receive a response as of Monday evening.