Authorities in Houston are investigating after a 16th body was recovered from White Oak Bayou last week, raising public concern about a potential serial killer in the city.
The body of a man was found on 8 October following reports of a suspected drowning. Police have said that foul play is not suspected, but the string of similar discoveries this year has prompted speculation.
Since January, 16 bodies have been pulled from bayous in Houston. The first, Douglas Swearingen, 44, was found in White Oak Bayou on 11 January. A coroner determined he had drowned, with acute methamphetamine toxicity contributing to his death. Other identified victims this year include:
- 14 February – Carl Newton, 24
- 22 March – Rodolfo Salas Sosa, 56
- 30 March – Anthony Azua, 33
- 31 March – Juan Garcia Loredo, 69
- 7 May – Kenneth Jones, 34
- 9 May – George Grays, 54
- 9 May – Culcois Racius, 39
- 17 May – Anthony Curry, 35
- 30 May – Shannon Davis, 14
- 9 June – Ernest Armstrong, 62
- 12 June – Brent Brown, 28
- 7 July – Raymond Hatten, 30
- 21 August – Latrecia Amos, 57
- 27 August – Jamal Alexander, 31
- 15 September – Jade McKissic, 20
- 15 September – Rodney Chatman, 43
- 20 September – Michael Rice, 67
Many other bodies remain unidentified, with ages ranging from teens to people in their 60s.
The Houston Chronicle reports that, in total, 22 bodies have been discovered across Harris County bayous so far this year, compared with 24 last year.
City officials have moved to calm public fears. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in September: “We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas.” Police Chief Noe Diaz echoed the statement, adding: “There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to suggest that any of these incidents are connected.”
Despite these assurances, some experts are urging caution. Retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor Joseph Giacalone told Fox News: “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.”
Authorities continue to investigate each case individually while monitoring the city’s waterways for further incidents.
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