As America’s fourth largest city is gripped by rumors of a serial killer, officials have now confirmed that the number of bodies found in Houston’s bayous is greater than previously known.
Fear of a mass murderer on the loose reached a fever pitch last week, after the remains of five people were pulled from the water in just five days.
At the time, police revealed that 14 people had died in the different bodies of water around town this year.
However, the real number is 22, the medical examiner confirmed to KPRC-TV.
Various bayous scattered around the area are listed as the place of death for 22 people, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences told the outlet.
City officials addressed public fears earlier this week, assuring residents that the Houston Police Department has no evidence of a serial killer.
Despite that, council member Letitia Plummer urged residents to be vigilant around the bodies of water.
‘Residents need to remain cautious. Our young people need to understand that if you’re walking around in the bayous past dusk, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy.’ Plummer pleaded.
Remains were found in Buffalo Bayou on Saturday. It brings the total number of bodies discovered in the waterways around the city to 14 this year
The city’s 2,500 miles of bayous are often surrounded by trails or located near city parks and frequented by kayakers, runners or walkers.
‘It is time to be very cautious and careful during this time,’ Plummer added.
The official cause of death has been determined in only six of the 22 cases.
The rest of the deaths are either classified as undetermined or pending.
Four people are confirmed drownings, with drugs or alcohol found in two of their bodies.
Another died of sudden cardiac death related to hypertensive heart disease and hypothermia.
A sixth person died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The vast majority of the victims have yet to be identified, Councilwoman Plummer said earlier this week.
Jade McKissic, a University of Houston student, 20, went missing September 11, and her remains were found four days later in Brays Bayou. She is one of only two people pulled from the bayous this year who have been identified
Houston is nicknamed the Bayou City, for the many waterways where residents paddle, kayak around the metropolis. They are usually surrounded by trails used by joggers and cyclists
The area is also vulnerable to flooding, with Buffalo Bayou seen after Hurricane Beryl last year
‘This community wants answers, and we will deliver them,’ Plummer said.
‘We don’t want assumptions. We don’t want rumors. Families deserve the truth.’
Jade ‘Sage‘ McKissic, 20, is among the two victims whose identities are known.
Last seen on September 11, the remains of the University of Houston student were recovered four days later in Brays Bayou.
Leading up to her disappearance, McKissic had been at a local bar with friends, leaving on her own, the Houston Police Department explained.
She also left her cell phone behind.
However, she was spotted next door at a gas station buying a drink.
Police were then able to track her walking towards Brays Bayou where she was last seen around 1am.
Even though the cops say McKissic’s cause of death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner’s office, they have also ruled out murder.
Investigators say her autopsy ‘revealed no signs of trauma or foul play.’
