Authorities in Texas have recently declared the causes of death for four individuals discovered in city bayous as undetermined.
Among the five individuals found deceased in Houston’s bayous in September was 20-year-old University of Houston student Jade McKissic. According to WTSM, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has categorized the deaths of McKissic, Rodney Chatman, Seth Hansen, and Michael Rice as undetermined.
McKissic’s body was located in Brays Bayou on September 15, just five days after she disappeared from her university campus. Her death is not believed to involve foul play.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has only determined the cause and manner of death for one other individual found in a Houston bayou during September. Arnulfo Alvarado, 63, was discovered in Buffalo Bayou on September 18. His death was classified as an accidental drowning with methamphetamine as a contributing factor, as reported by WTSM.
In 2023, at least 16 bodies have been found in waterways around Houston. Last year, a total of 25 bodies were recovered from the city’s bayous.
The Houston Chronicle further reported that nine other deaths in Houston bayous this year have also been ruled undetermined. Causes of death have been established in 11 other instances, varying from drowning and suicide to sudden cardiac arrest, with only one case being ruled as homicide.
Last month, Houston officials dispelled rumors about a serial killer in the city, claiming the deaths appeared unconnected.
“I do say enough is enough on speculation, out of respect for the families and also the 2.3 million Houstonians in our region,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said. “We have challenges — we’re meeting those challenges — but a serial killer loose in Houston is not one of our challenges today.”
[Feature Photo: Houston Chronicle]
