HOUSTON – Houston police have discovered another body in a local waterway — this time near Commerce and Milam — bringing the total number of bodies found in area bayous this year to 15.
In all of 2024, 24 bodies were recovered from Houston’s sprawling 2,500-mile network of bayous and waterways. With more than three months left in 2025, this year’s total is already just 10 shy of that figure.
And what’s more alarming: six of the bodies have been found in just the past week — including one as recently as last night.
No Connection Between Cases, Police Say
Despite the unsettling trend, Houston police are urging calm.
“In all of the five incidents, the medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death,” said Chief Noe Diaz with the Houston Police Department.
Police say they have found no evidence of foul play or any connections between the cases, although investigations are ongoing.
“There’s still work detectives can do while waiting on autopsy results — like interviewing witnesses, recovering surveillance footage, and collecting digital evidence,” said HPD Captain Salam Zia.
4 of the 6 Recent Bodies Remain Unidentified
Out of the six bodies found in the past two weeks:
- Four remain unidentified
- One was identified as University of Houston student Jade McKissic
- One identity is being withheld pending family notification
So far, none of the autopsy results have been returned.
Officials Address Serial Killer Rumors
In a recent press conference, Mayor John Whitmire directly addressed growing fears and online speculation about a serial killer.
“There is no serial killer. Stop spreading misinformation,” he said firmly.
Criminologist Krista Gehring, a professor of criminal justice at UH-Downtown, echoed that sentiment.
“A serial killer typically targets a specific type of victim — whether that’s based on age, gender, race, or occupation” Gehring said.
Captain Zia confirmed the lack of pattern:
“It runs the gamut — different genders, different age ranges. There’s no clear link between them.”
Why So Many Bodies at Once?
Gehring explained that environmental factors could explain why so many bodies are being found in such a short period.
“Sometimes bodies sink and only become visible when decomposition causes them to rise. Others may be caught on objects underwater and come into view later,” she said.
Changes in temperature, water levels, and debris can all affect the timing of body recoveries, experts say.
What’s Behind These Deaths?
While causes of death are still under investigation, Mayor Whitmire said some cases appear to involve alcohol, mental health issues, and homelessness — though not all.
Investigators are continuing to work with the medical examiner’s office to confirm the causes of death and identities of the victims.
The Bottom Line
- 15 bodies have been found in Houston-area bayous in 2025
- 6 were discovered in the last week
- No evidence suggests foul play or a serial killer
- Authorities urge the public not to jump to conclusions
As the investigation continues, officials stress the importance of waiting for verified facts.