News Summary
The recovery of a woman’s body from a downtown Houston bayou marks the sixth death in recent weeks, leading to fears of a potential serial killer. Since the beginning of 2024, at least 13 bodies have been found in the city’s waterways, prompting officials to urge calm amid rising online speculation. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding each case, as many of the deaths may be linked to accidents or mental health issues rather than foul play. The mayor has called for accurate information amidst rising concerns about community safety.
Houston – A woman’s body was recovered from a Houston bayou near downtown late Thursday night, marking the sixth body found in or around the bayous in the last two weeks. This recovery has heightened public concern and sparked speculation about a potential serial killer in the area.
Authorities responded to a 911 call around 11:30 p.m. regarding a person spotted in the water near Commerce and Milam streets. A group of scooter riders initially discovered the body and alerted the police. The Houston Police Department dive team was involved in the recovery process of the unidentified woman. The cause of death has not yet been determined and will be disclosed by the Harris County Medical Examiner following an autopsy.
In total, at least 13 bodies have been discovered in Houston’s waterways in 2024, a significant increase compared to just 24 bodies found throughout all of last year. This cluster of recent deaths has led to growing fears and online speculation about whether a serial killer may be at large.
The city’s officials are addressing these concerns. Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. have urged the public to remain calm and avoid relying on social media speculation regarding these incidents. Mayor Whitmire emphasized that there is currently no evidence to support claims of a serial killer and noted that many individuals found in the bayous could be victims of accidents, homelessness, or mental health crises.
So far, only one of the recently discovered individuals has been publicly identified: Jade “Sage” McKissick, a University of Houston student who was reported missing prior to her body being found. Another body has been identified, but further details are being withheld until the family has been notified.
Criminal justice experts, including Dr. Krista Gehring from the University of Houston-Downtown, have reinforced that without clear signs of homicide, such as stab wounds or gunshot injuries, the recent deaths cannot be attributed to a serial killer. Officials have pointed out that drowning, accidents, and other non-criminal causes are likely factors contributing to many of these cases.
Former Houston police officer Tom Nixon noted that the variations in causes of death observed do not support the theory of a serial killer. Mayor Whitmire expressed frustration over the misinformation circulating online and emphasized the importance of accurate and verified information about the situation.
Police Chief Diaz stated that there is currently no known connection between the recent deaths, and ongoing investigations will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding each case. Given the spike in incidents, there are also increased concerns about safety in the waterways, prompting officials to advise the community to avoid activities such as swimming or fishing in the bayous, particularly following heavy rainfall.
This situation remains under close scrutiny, with authorities urging the public to stay alert and prioritize their safety while more information comes to light regarding the tragic discoveries in Houston’s waterways.
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Additional Resources
- KHOU
- Chron
- Click2Houston
- Hindustan Times
- Fox26 Houston
- Wikipedia: Houston
- Google Search: Houston bayous body found
- Google Scholar: Houston serial killer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston
- Google News: Houston bayous bodies
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
