The manner of death in nearly half of the cases is still undetermined. Only three of the cases have been determined to be homicides.
HOUSTON — With rumors swirling about bodies being found in Houston bayous, KHOU 11 Investigates decided to take a closer look at the numbers.
The team examined data from the past three years to assess the cause and manner of death for each body discovered in the bayous of Houston.
The data originated from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, the medical examiner’s office.
The numbers show annual increases in each of the last three years:
- 2023: 9 bodies found
- 2024: 20 bodies found
- 2025 (so far): 24 bodies found
In 23 cases, the manner of death remains inconclusive, indicating that the circumstances cannot be determined with medical certainty.
The medical examiner’s office ruled 15 cases an accident, 13 of which were due to drowning.
Nine cases are still pending, three were ruled suicide and three were ruled homicide.
Houston police made arrests in two of the homicide cases and the third case remains under investigation.
Rumors and speculation
The discovery of multiple bodies being found in a short time frame this year fueled online speculation about a possible serial killer.
City leaders and law enforcement officials firmly deny the claims.
At a recent press briefing, Mayor John Whitmire stated, “There is no indication of a serial killer roaming the streets of Houston. It’s time to stop the speculation, in consideration of both the families affected and the 2.3 million residents of our area.”
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. also said investigators have found no evidence linking the cases.
