Authorities Address Serial Killer Concerns After 16th Body Found in Bayou

Officials Respond Following Multiple Body Discoveries

In Houston, authorities have addressed fears of a potential serial killer, with at least 16 bodies discovered in the same bayou.

On October 8, shortly after 9 am, a dive team retrieved a man's body from White Oak Bayou near Marie Street in Houston, Texas. Fox 26 Houston reported that this marks the 16th body found in the water.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has not yet determined the cause of death, and there are no clear signs of foul play.

Five bodies were found in the bayou during the week of September 15, and another was discovered on September 26. Autopsy results are still awaited, and police have not linked the deaths.

Despite the frequent discoveries, Houston residents are speculating about a possible serial killer, but officials are advising against believing these theories.

On Wednesday, a dive team recovered a man's body

Mayor John Whitmire described the situation as 'alarming' and emphasized that 'enough is enough with misinformation' and 'wild speculation' from social media. During a press conference on September 23, he stated: "We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas.”

He further mentioned that 'if there was, you would hear it from me first'.

"So, I’m here today to inform you that enough is enough of wild speculation. It’s very frustrating for me to be at home, watch the news, or social media, and see people spread what I know to be false," Whitmire said.

The mayor also highlighted that Houston’s 2,500 miles of waterways can make accidental deaths, particularly among homeless communities living nearby, unfortunately common.

He noted that when homeless individuals die from illnesses, 'friends and associates do not take them to a funeral home'.

Mayor John Whitmire states there is 'no evidence' supporting the serial killer theories

Whitmire also emphasized that there is no evidence 'to indicate that any of these incidents are related'.

Police Captain Salam Zia, who heads the department’s homicide division, also confirmed that there is currently no connection between the cases.

"There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to indicate that any of these incidents are related," Diaz stated, adding that 'it's crucial to rely on verified information and investigations'.

Fox Houston 26 reports that the victims range in age from their twenties to their sixties and include both men and women. One of the victims, student Jade McKissic, 20, was confirmed after her remains were found on September 15 following her disappearance on September 11.

Houston is not the only place in Texas where serial killer rumors are prevalent, as Austin residents have expressed similar concerns after several bodies have been recovered from Lady Bird Lake over the past three years.