Houston Mayor John Whitmire addresses serial killer rumors after bodies found in bayous

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz addressed the cases where five bodies were found in area bayous within a week.

The bodies were recovered between Sept. 15 and Sept. 20.

Before addressing each case, Whitmire slammed what he says is misinformation and unfounded rumors of a serial killer on the loose in Houston.

“Enough is enough,” Whitmire said. “We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas. If there was, you’d hear it from me first.”

Whitmire said the five bodies found over a five day period is alarming, but that people need to let HPD do its job and investigate.

“Its very frustrating to me to be at home and watch the news or social media and see people spread what I know to be false,” Whitmire said.

• RELATED: No foul play, or trauma signs found on body of missing UH student Jade McKissic, HPD says

Chief Diaz echoed the sentiment about rumors, saying they stir fear and anxiety in the community.

• RELATED: At least 5 bodies were recovered across Houston-area bayous this week

Officials explained the five incidents last week.

• Sept. 15 - Body recovered from Brays Bayou at 4998 Spur 5 around 10 a.m. Identified as missing University of Houston student Jade “Sage” McKissic. Investigation did not show signs of foul play. Autopsy results pending.
• Sept. 15 - Body recovered from Hunting Bayou at 13400 East Freeway around 11:50 a.m. Medical examiner has not identified individual at this time.
• Sept. 16 - Body recovered from White Oak Bayou at 2200 White Oak Drive around 1:25 p.m. Medical examiner has not identified individual.
• Sept. 18 - Body recovered from Buffalo Bayou at 400 Jensen Drive around 2 p.m. Medical examiner has not identified individual.
• Sept. 20 - Body recovered from Buffalo Bayou at 900 N. York Street around 8:25 a.m. Individual has been identified but identity not released.

Chief Diaz says there is no evidence any of these cases are connected. In all five cases, the cause and manner of death are pending a determination by the medical examiners office.

In all, Diaz confirmed there have been 14 bodies pulled from Houston bayous this year. Last year, there were 24 pulled from area bayous.

Diaz urges people to be responsible and careful about what you amplify and post on social media as unverified information gets circulated there. He cited some posts may even be created using artificial intelligence.