16 bodies found in Houston bayous this year spark serial killer concerns
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Texas police have found at least 16 bodies in the bay area around Houston so far this year, according to authorities and local reports; This has raised concerns about a serial killer that city leaders are trying to eliminate.
Houston’s mayor says police have no evidence of a serial killer, but experts are calling for a full investigation into the deaths.
“Something is happening,” said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor at Penn State-Lehigh Valley. “Coincidence? Improbable. Each case needs to be carefully examined, including the 48 hours before they were discovered missing.”
The apparent number of drownings is reminiscent of the alarming number of deaths occurring in the waters of Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.
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Houston fire and police personnel recover a body from White Oak Bayou near the Heights in Houston on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Five of the bodies were found over a five-day period last month, according to Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz.
“There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to suggest that any of these events are connected,” Diaz told reporters. he said.
The youngest victim was 20, said Capt. Salam Zia, Houston Police Department homicide commander. Authorities later discovered that the bodies belonged to both men and women and ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.
“Rumors are creating fear and anxiety in our communities,” the chief said. “It is important to trust verified information and research.”
However, after authorities made these statements, they discovered at least two more bodies. According to ChronHouston’s local news site.
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HPD Police Chief Noe Diaz listens to Mayor John Whitmire comment on bodies recently found in Houston Bay during a news conference Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Houston. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Houston Mayor John Whitmire criticized misinformation and “wild speculation” online and from political candidates about the cases during a Sept. 23 press conference.
“We have no evidence that a serial killer is on the loose in Houston, Texas,” he said. “Let me say it again, there is no evidence that a serial killer is on the streets of Houston.”
Sims Bayou Greenway near Houston Botanical Garden and Glenbrook Park shown on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Houston. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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He called the death toll “alarming” and asked for patience while the city police investigate.
“I grew up in Houston,” he told reporters. “Unfortunately, drowning in our bay is not a new phenomenon.”
There are 2,500 miles of waterways around the city, he said, and there is also a homeless population living outdoors.
Bayou passes through Piney Point Village on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Houston. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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Whitmire suggested that when homeless people die, their friends often throw them into the water.
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“Unfortunately, when homeless people pass through, they often find themselves in the swamp,” he said.
He also noted that alcohol use and mental health problems are also potential factors in the deaths.
