Seven bodies in Houston bayous in just three weeks. Here’s what we know about the victims, the investigations and the rumors fueling online speculation.
HOUSTON — In the past three weeks, a series of bodies have been recovered from Houston-area bayous, sparking community concern, widespread speculation online, and calls for answers. Officials have confirmed seven cases since Sept. 15, and investigators are still working to determine the causes of death.
So far, none of the deaths have been officially linked, and leaders are urging caution as rumors circulate. Here’s what we know.
Who has been identified
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has confirmed the names of five victims recovered from waterways since Sept. 15. A sixth case involves an unidentified woman whose body was found downtown. As of Oct. 1, the causes and manners of death are still pending in all cases:
- Sept. 15 – Brays Bayou near University of Houston: Jade McKissick, 21
- Sept. 15 – Greens Bayou: Rodney Riccardo Chatman, 43
- Sept. 16 – White Oak Bayou: Seth Joseph Hansen, 24
- Sept. 18 – Buffalo Bayou, Jensen Dr.: Arnulfo Alvarado, 63
- Sept. 20 – Buffalo Bayou, N. York St.: Michael Andrea Rice, 66
- Sept. 26 – Buffalo Bayou, Commerce St.: Unidentified Black woman, under 30, with an “888” tattoo on her wrist
- Oct. 8 – White Oak Bayou, Taylor Street: Unidentified body found, no other details released
This year, at least 13 people have been pulled from Houston waterways. Officials said 24 people were recovered in 2024.
What investigators have shared
The Harris County medical examiner has not released causes of death in any of the recent cases. In one instance, officials said there was no foul play suspected in the death of University of Houston student Jade McKissick, but her final cause of death has not been released.
The unidentified woman recovered Sept. 26 remains a key focus for investigators. She was described as 5’3”, 120 pounds, with short black hair and a widow’s peak. She was wearing a black t-shirt that said “Black & Beautiful,” jeans, and had a tattoo reading “888” on her inner left wrist.
Authorities are asking the public to help identify her.
Rumors and speculation
The discovery of multiple bodies in a short time frame has fueled online speculation about a possible serial killer. But city leaders and law enforcement have firmly denied those claims.
“There is no evidence that there is a serial killer loose on the streets of Houston,” Mayor John Whitmire said at a recent news conference. “Enough is enough on speculation, out of respect for the families and also the 2.3 million Houstonians in our region.”
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. also said investigators have found no evidence linking the cases. Officials noted there are many reasons people may end up in the bayous, including accidents, homelessness, or mental health struggles.
Community reaction
Despite those reassurances, safety concerns remain, especially among students.
“Can we enjoy being a student? Can we enjoy being free, or do we have to watch around every corner?” asked Texas Southern University student Erin Slaughter at a community meeting hosted by City Councilmember Leticia Plummer.
For many on campus, the death of UH student Jade McKissick has amplified the unease.
Expert perspective
Criminal justice experts also say there is no evidence of a serial killer pattern.
“The short answer is no,” said Dr. Krista Gehring, a University of Houston-Downtown criminal justice professor. “It’s possible these are accidental deaths, or people, unfortunately, taking their own lives. There are a lot of alternative, less scary explanations.”
She noted that serial killers typically follow specific victim patterns, which is not happening here. Gehring also said cameras near bayous might help provide both answers and peace of mind.
“The camera might actually capture where an individual falls into the bayou or has an accident or is intoxicated or whatever, because that’s likely what is happening,” she told KHOU 11.
Both experts and officials have urged people not to spread misinformation online. “There’s a real concern about perpetuating fear on social media or in the media — fear that may not be warranted,” Gehring said.
What’s next
Investigators are continuing to review each case, with causes of death still pending. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is asking for help in identifying the woman with the “888” tattoo found downtown on Sept. 26.