Residents of Texas are on edge as concerns mount over the possibility of a serial killer, following reports of numerous bodies being recovered from Houston’s waterways this year.
In 2025, the city has already seen the recovery of at least 34 bodies from its bayous, just one less than the total found in 2024.
Despite authorities’ assertions that there is no serial killer involved, the community is seeking answers amidst growing alarm.
This week alone has seen the discovery of three additional bodies, with two found on Monday, December 22.
A passerby reported the first body in Buffalo Bayou, leading to the Houston Police Department’s dive team’s intervention.
On the same day, another body was extracted from Brays Bayou. A third body was found on Christmas Eve, also in Buffalo Bayou, as confirmed by Houston Police.
Data from the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office, accessed by KPRC 2, indicates that since 2017, at least 198 bodies have been found in Houston’s bayous.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has tried to reassure the public that these incidents should not be a cause for concern.
“We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose,” he stated in September.
He elaborated: “What do you think happens when a homeless person dies from an illness, diabetes or cancer? What do you think his friends and associates do? They do not take him to a funeral home. Unfortunately, the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou.”
The frequency of these discoveries has left some citizens uneasy, with speculation on social media hinting at a serial killer. However, experts and law enforcement suggest these concerns are likely unfounded.
Texas State University professor Kim Rossmo’s research indicates that drowning is not a common method used by serial killers, who tend to employ more violent techniques.
“Serial killers stab or strangle or sometimes shoot, but drowning is uncommon. And one of the reasons is, if you think about it, it’s really hard to kill somebody by drowning. There’s a lot of steps involved and a lot of chances for people to escape,” Rossmo explained.
He concluded: “We don’t have a serial killer, but we do have a drowning problem.”