The idea of a modern-day serial killer walking among us every day is a scary one. And it seems the idea is especially concerning for those living in the Houston area.
Keep reading to know more.
Emergency services in Houston have reportedly found a 16th body in the city’s marshy bayous, which has sparked rumors that there might be a serial killer in the midst of the city.
The bodies that have been found so far belong to various demographics, according to authorities. Some bodies have yet to be identified.
The entire thing has caused a lot of chatter on social media, with the public concerned about their safety. Mayor John Whitmire had to make a statement where he said the bodies are those of homeless people that are at times dumped in the river when they pass away.
Local television channel, Khou 11, said earlier last month that bodies of Jade McKissick, 21, and Rodney Riccardo Chatman, 43, were pulled out of the river near the University of Houston and Greens Bayou.
A day later, the body of 24-year-old Seth Joseph Hansen was found in the bayou in the northwest of the city.
Two days later, another body of a 63-year-old Arnulfo Alvarado was found in the 52-mile-long Buffalo Bayou between Fort Bend County and the Gulf of Mexico.
The bodies of 66-year-old Michael Andrea Rice and another unidentified black woman who had an ‘888’ tattoo on her wrist were found in the same waterway later in September as well.
There have allegedly been sixteen bodies discovered since 2025; however, only seven of them have been accounted for. There is speculation that the bodies might be attributed to one single entity.
Houston’s Mayor Whitmire has tried to quash any concern and worry with a media briefing on September 23.
“We do not have any evidence that there is a serial [slayer] loose in Houston, Texas,” he told reporters,” he said, adding, “If there was, you would hear it from me first.” He also stated that there would be complete transparency from him.
“So, I’m before you today to let you know that enough is enough of wild speculation,” Whitmire continued.
“It’s very frustrating to me to be at home, watch the news, or social media, and see people spread what I know to be false,” he shared his growing frustration.
In support of his claims are the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences and their reports, which state that there are “no obvious signs of foul play.”
He shared that perhaps the 2,500 miles of waterways which snakes across the land are just the place where those less fortunate find themselves after dying as their loved ones might not be a able to afford a funeral. He also said that there was nothing which linked the bodies to one another.
However, a former Sergeant with the NYPD, Joseph Giacalone, who now teaches criminal justice at Penn State Lehigh Valley, is still skeptical.
He said in an interview with Fox earlier this month that, “Something is afoot.”
“A coincidence? Unlikely. A careful inspection of each case is warranted, including the 48 hours prior to the discovery of their disappearance,” the veteran gave his two cents.
Another expert claimed that the police denying claims for a serial slayer afoot are premature. Forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Carole Lieberman has said, “The denials by law enforcement and other authorities that these cases are [slayings] or the work of a serial [slayer] are premature,” she argued in an interview earlier this year.
“They don’t want the public to panic about a possible serial [slayer], so they are making light of all the [slayings],” she went on to add.
However, officials are adamant that there is nothing sinister afoot. What do you think about this story? Share with others to see what they think.
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