At least 16 bodies found in the bayous of Houston in 2025—city officials dismiss theories of serial killer

Police in Houston have discovered 16 bodies in different bayous this year alone, according to local authorities as well as reports. Amid the deaths, there has been speculation that there is a serial killer on the loose, something that city officials have argued is not the case.

Houston's mayor has said that there is no evidence of a serial killer, but there are law enforcement and other experts in criminality who are calling for an investigation into the deaths. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant as well as criminal justice professor, said, “Something is afoot."

"A coincidence? Unlikely. A careful inspection of each case is warranted, including the 48 hours prior to the discovery of their disappearance," he added. Some have said that the deaths come from a number of apparent drownings in the bodies of water.

Five of the 16 bodies were found in the span of just five days last month, according to police. “There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to suggest that any of these incidents are connected,” Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz told reporters, per Fox News.

The youngest person who was found dead was in their 20s, and the oldest was in their 60s. Both males and females were found among the dead. “Rumors stir fear and anxiety in our communities,” the chief reiterated. “It’s important to rely on verified information and investigations.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has also slammed theories that the deaths stem from a serial killer on the loose. “We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas,” Whitmire said. “Let me say that again, there is no evidence that there is a serial killer loose in the streets of Houston.”

He called the deaths "alarming" and added, “Unfortunately, drowning in our bayous is not a new phenomenon."