Concerns that a serial killer may be stalking Houston have been reignited this week after the grim discovery of three more bodies in the city's extensive network of bayous. The latest recoveries bring the total number of bodies found in these waterways in 2025 to at least 34, a figure alarmingly close to last year's total, according to local reports.
Authorities Deny Rumours Amidst Public Alarm
Despite mounting public anxiety and rampant speculation on social media, city officials have consistently rejected the theory of a mystery murderer. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has been vocal in his dismissal, stating unequivocally that "we do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose." He attributes the high number of deaths to a tragic confluence of homelessness, substance abuse, and the city's geography, suggesting that deceased homeless individuals are sometimes disposed of in the waterways.
The three most recent discoveries occurred on Monday, December 23rd, and on Christmas Eve. On Monday, one body was located in the Buffalo Bayou near Crawford Street, prompting a response from the Houston Police Department's dive team. Another was found the same day near the Brays Bayou at the intersection of Texas Spur 5 and Old Spanish Trail. A third body was recovered on Christmas Eve in the Buffalo Bayou around 3500 Memorial Parkway.
Unexplained Cases Fuel Speculation
While authorities point to broader social issues, several high-profile cases do not fit the official narrative, deepening the mystery for grieving families. Among them is Jade Elise McKissic, 20, a University of Houston student found in Brays Bayou on September 15. Surveillance footage showed her leaving a bar alone four days prior, leaving her phone behind. Police reported no signs of trauma.
Similarly, the death of Kenneth Cutting Jr., 22, remains unresolved. His body was found in Buffalo Bayou last June after he vanished following a night out. An autopsy could not determine a cause of death and found no evidence of physical injury or drug use. The parallels between the cases—both victims were last seen leaving bars alone without their phones—have been noted by relatives.
"All them people didn't commit suicide or fall into the bayou accidentally and drown," Kenneth Cutting Sr. told Fox News Digital. "It's ridiculous. There's been so many of them in the last three years."
A Long-Term and Disturbing Trend
The scale of the issue is vast and stretches back years. Records from the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office, obtained by KPRC 2, reveal that at least 198 dead bodies have been pulled from Houston's bayous since 2017. Of these, only 17 have been officially categorised as murders, while 75 were marked as 'undetermined'. Accidental drowning was the leading cause, followed by suicide.
The speculation about a potential serial killer first surged in late September after five bodies were recovered over a five-day period. Despite official denials, the sheer volume of cases has led experts to call for deeper scrutiny. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor, told the Daily Mail that the deaths are "worthy of further investigation" for potential patterns or "companion cases."
As the year draws to a close with the death toll nearing last year's total, locals are urging for enhanced safety measures along the bayous. Mayor Whitmire has pointed to existing barricades but acknowledged the challenge, stating, "I don't know of a fail-safe way when bayous are such a part of our lifestyle and our environment." For now, the city remains gripped by fear and unanswered questions as investigators continue to work on each unique, tragic case.
