In all these cases, children have reported various kinds of sexual molestation, the ritualistic killing of animals, the drinking of blood in the context of satanic rituals, and, in some cases, murder. Case investigations have not produced convictions due to the absence of corroborating evidence, inconsistencies in the children's stories, flawed interviews of the children, and disorganized investigative procedures. Many question whether similarities in the children's stories are rooted in common features of child fantasies, and others argue that the common features of the allegations suggest a widespread satanic cult centered in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Those who accept the possibility of the latter situation fear that the botched investigations of the cases thus far may have a chilling effect on the investigation of similar allegations in the future.