A dive team in Houston pulled a man’s body from White Oak Bayou near Marie Street on October 8, marking the 16th body found in that same waterway in recent weeks. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is still working to determine how the victim died, and officials have found no overt signs of foul play so far.
During one recent week from September 15 onward—five bodies were discovered in the bayou, and another turned up on September 26. Autopsy results for most of the bodies are still pending, and law enforcement has yet to establish any connections between the cases. Because of the growing number of recoveries, many Houston residents are becoming alarmed—and some are speculating that a serial killer might be operating locally. However, city and police officials are pushing back hard on those claims.
Mayor Denounces Speculation
Houston’s mayor, John Whitmire, has strongly criticized the spread of rumors and false information. In a press conference held on September 23, he said, “We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas.” He added, “If there was, you would hear it from me first.”
He also commented on the frustrating deluge of speculation he sees on social media, saying:
“Enough is enough of wild speculation. It’s very frustrating … to see people spread what I know to be false.”
The mayor cautioned that Houston’s extensive 2,500 miles of waterways can lead to accidental drownings or unnoticed deaths—especially among homeless or vulnerable populations who live near those channels. He noted that when homeless individuals die from disease or illness, “friends and associates do not take him to a funeral home,” making some deaths more likely to go unreported or unnoticed. Mayor Whitmire reiterated that there is no proof linking any of the recent incidents to one another and urged residents not to jump to conclusions.
Police Confirm No Known Connections
Captain Salam Zia, in charge of the homicide division, echoed the mayor’s stance. He emphasized that no evidence currently exists suggesting the various discoveries are related to one culprit.
“I repeat: no evidence to suggest that any of these incidents are connected,” Zia affirmed, adding that investigations must be based on verified information and established facts.
As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on the public to avoid speculation and rely on credible updates as they become available.
Victims Span Ages, Genders
Among the 16 bodies recovered, victims range broadly in both age and gender—from individuals in their twenties to those in their sixties, and including both men and women. One identified victim is Jade McKissic, a 20-year-old student who vanished on September 11; her remains were discovered on September 15.
Similar Fears in Other Texas Cities
Speculation over potential serial killers is not confined to Houston. In Austin, for example, residents have expressed alarm after multiple bodies turned up in Lady Bird Lake over the last three years. That pattern has spurred rumors and fears similar to those currently emerging in Houston. The investigation continues as residents demand answers and stronger safety measures.
