Houston Confirms 22 Bodies Found In Bayous as Serial Killer Rumors Swirl [WATCH]

Authorities in Houston have confirmed that 22 bodies have been recovered from the city’s bayous so far this year, heightening public concerns as rumors of a possible serial killer spread across the nation’s fourth-largest city, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences told KPRC-TV that 22 deaths have been recorded in the bayous in 2024, a higher number than previously reported. Earlier, police had said that 14 people had been found in various waterways.

The fears intensified last week when five bodies were recovered over the course of five days. Although police have stressed there is no evidence of a serial killer, residents and city officials remain on edge.

⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of the discovery of human remains.

Serial killer fears are gripping Houston after the bodies of five people were pulled from separate city bayous in less than a week.

The recent discoveries bring the total number of bodies… pic.twitter.com/SKFgeSCuP8

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) September 26, 2025

Councilwoman Letitia Plummer urged caution, particularly for young people who frequent trails and parks near the city’s 2,500 miles of waterways.

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“Residents need to remain cautious. Our young people need to understand that if you’re walking around in the bayous past dusk, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy,” Plummer said. “It is time to be very cautious and careful during this time.”

So far, causes of death have been determined in only six of the 22 cases. Four of the victims drowned, with drugs or alcohol present in two of those cases.

One person died of sudden cardiac death tied to hypertensive heart disease and hypothermia. Another was ruled a suicide by gunshot. The other 16 cases remain either undetermined or pending further review.

Councilwoman Plummer acknowledged that most of the victims have not been identified, but said the city is committed to providing answers. “This community wants answers, and we will deliver them. We don’t want assumptions. We don’t want rumors. Families deserve the truth,” she said.

One of the few identified victims is Jade “Sage” McKissic, 20, a University of Houston student. She was last seen on September 11 after leaving a local bar without her phone.

Surveillance video showed her purchasing a drink at a nearby gas station before walking toward Brays Bayou. Her remains were found four days later.

Investigators said McKissic’s autopsy “revealed no signs of trauma or foul play,” though her official cause of death remains undetermined. Police said there is no evidence that her death was a homicide.

In Joy Sewing’s words,
“Growing up near Houston’s bayous came with a warning: Stay away. Community fears and lack of information, especially in marginalized and underserved communities, are the perfect storm for ‘serial killer’ rumors.” https://t.co/vpyDuwZGvh pic.twitter.com/oVZ3WGRjYN

— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) October 1, 2025

The Houston Police Department continues to investigate the open cases while working with the medical examiner to determine how the other victims died. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant until the findings are complete.

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