In a harrowing development out of Tennessee, a dog-walker has become an unexpected catalyst in uncovering a chilling mystery. This individual led authorities to the discovery of the remains of three children, an incident that Memphis’ police chief has described as “disturbing.”

The Memphis Police Department announced on Wednesday that an investigation has been underway since March 8. The remains, thought to belong to children aged between 3 and 7, were discovered in a location near a church and an elementary school. This unsettling finding has gripped the community as investigators work tirelessly to piece together the tragic puzzle.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis spoke to the public, urging anyone with knowledge of missing children to come forward. “This discovery is both heartbreaking and disturbing,” she stated, emphasizing the department’s commitment to using all available resources to identify the young victims and bring closure to this haunting case.

Davis also noted that the bones, recovered from a densely vegetated area, appear to have been there for several years. She reassured the community, stating that there is currently no indication of an active threat to public safety.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Memphis Police Department shared images of investigators meticulously combing through the wooded site where the remains were found. The search for answers continues, as the community watches and waits for justice for the unnamed children.

The Memphis Police Department released photos of investigators searching through the woods. 

“The operation involves approximately 170 personnel and is being carried out in collaboration with the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office, with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal partners, and the Memphis Fire Department,” the department said in a statement. “Investigators are conducting a systematic and methodical search of a defined area between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road in an effort to locate additional evidence.” 

Police say the investigation began on March 8 after an anonymous caller “reported a possible human skull near a wooded area” and “responding officers located what appeared to be a human skull at the edge of the woods.”

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that there is no active threat to the public following the discovery of the human remains. (Memphis Police Department)

A few days later, “cadaver K9 units alerted to a nearby drainage pipe, indicating the possible presence of additional human remains,” police said. 

On April 1, investigators found what “appeared to be an additional skull” inside the drainage system, and the following day, “search teams conducted another coordinated canvass, resulting in the recovery of fourteen additional bones consistent with human remains,” Memphis police also said. 

“Identification is ongoing, and investigators are working to determine both the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” police added.

Laquita Singleterry, a local parent, told FOX 13 Memphis that the discovery is “really heartbreaking.”

“And I really hope they find out who they belong to,” she said. 

The Memphis Police Department said the investigation began after a dog walker “reported a possible human skull near a wooded area.” (Memphis Police Department)

“I feel sorry for those children,” added parent Tonya Richmond. “It’s really sad that it happened in the community right across from a school… someone would dump children.”