5 Terrifying References in the GTA Games

Rockstar has given us some of the most popular open-world games with the GTA series. But beneath the madness, Rockstar sneaks in some seriously creepy stuff. Hidden messages, ghostly figures, and eerie real-life inspirations: GTA is packed with references.
Here are five terrifying references in GTA that’ll make you think twice before exploring alone at night.

If you head to Mount Gordo between 11 PM and midnight, you’ll spot a ghostly woman hovering over the cliff. Get closer, and you’ll see JOCK written in blood beneath her. She also disappears if you get too close.
This isn’t some random spooky Easter egg. The ghost is Jolene Cranley-Evans, murdered by her husband, Jock Cranley (yes, the same guy running for governor). Legend says he pushed her off the cliff, and now she haunts the spot where she died.
If you ever felt uneasy wandering through the forests of San Andreas, you weren’t alone. Rumors spread that a chainsaw-wielding killer—yes, like Leatherface—stalked players in the backwoods.
While Rockstar never confirmed it, the game does feature a chainsaw weapon, an abandoned cabin with bloodstains, and creepy sound effects in the woods.
The underground tunnels of Liberty City in GTA IV are eerie enough, but rumors of a half-man, half-rat creature lurking in the shadows have also surfaced. Players claim to have seen glowing red eyes, heard strange growls, and even spotted a deformed humanoid figure scurrying away. However, there’s no official confirmation from Rockstar yet.

A full-blown serial killer mystery lurks in GTA V. The Infinity Killer, Merle Abrahams, was obsessed with the number 8 and left disturbing messages all over Blaine County. His creepy scribbles talk about "8 victims, 8 keepsakes," and true to his words, eight bodies are found underwater off the coast.
Ever wondered why the ghost town visible across Shoreside Vale looks… off? This eerie, low-detail town is actually a remnant of the game’s opening cutscene where Claude gets ambushed.
But you can glitch your way in and explore the abandoned, lifeless streets. No NPCs, no cars, just an eerie silence. Some players even claim they’ve seen shadowy figures moving.
GTA might be all fun and games—until you stumble upon one of these terrifying references. Rockstar sure knows how to send chills down your spine. Seen anything creepy yourself? Drop it in the comments!