Everything we know about the 24 people found dead in Houston bayous this year as serial killer fears grow
Here is everything we know about the 24 people who have been found dead in Houston bayous this year amid growing fears a serial killer may be on the loose.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has previously shut down these claims, saying earlier this month: "We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas."
"Enough is enough of wild speculation." he added in a press conference earlier this month.
The mayor called the drownings 'not a new phenomenon', blaming drugs, alcohol and homelessness for the tragic deaths.
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"Unfortunately the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou." he added.
Nonetheless, 24 people have lost their lives in Houston-area bayous this year, leading to safety concerns surrounding the area's waterways.
Houston bayous
A large number of bodies have been found in Houston bayous, including 24-year-old Carl Newton, who was found dead back in February.
An autopsy report ruled the man's death as a sudden, accidental cardiac death associated with heart disease and high blood pressure.
The medical examiner also listed hypothermia as a cause of death.
Juan Garcia Loredo, 69, was also recovered from a Houston bayou - though his cause of death is undetermined.
Authorities also discovered 34-year-old Kenneth Jones, whose death was also listed as undetermined, while convicted felon George Grays, 54, was recovered from a Houston bayou on May 9 this year.
Ernest Armstrong, 62, was also recovered from a bayou in Houston earlier in the summer, and his cause of death remains unclear at this time.
The Houston Chronicle reports that Armstrong was convicted of numerous felony charges in Harris County.
Thirty-year-old Raymond Hatten Jr. also died in Houston waterways this year, with officials finding his body on July 7.
"Raymond was the typical ‘around-the-way' guy who loved to write and recite his lyrics to anyone who would listen,” the obituary for him read.
Hunting, Channelview, Greens and White Oak Bayou
One deceased was found in or near each of these bayous surrounding Houston in 2025.
Seth Hansen, who lived on the banks of White Oak Bayou, was recovered from the bayou on September 16. As of Friday, his cause of death was still pending, the Houston Chronicle reports.
And 43-year-old Rodney Chatman's body was recovered from a canal at 13400 East Freeway in close proximity to Greens Bayou the day before on September 15.
His cause of death was also pending as of Friday.
Brent Everett Brown lost his life earlier this year at the very young age of 28 as authorities discovered his body from a bayou in Channelview on June 12.
An obituary for him stated: "Though his circle was small, his impact was immense. Brent's kindness, loyalty, and quiet humor left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him."
After he was reported missing in January, Douglas Swearingen, 44, was soon found nearby at 10900 Dunvegan Way, near Hunting Bayou, an autopsy reported.
Swearingen had been convicted of two felonies in the form of drug possession and attempted retaliation.
Brays Bayou
An autopsy report found 35-year-old Anthony Curry died from drowning with acute toxic effects of phencyclidine and ethanol, after he was recovered from Brays Bayou on May 17.
Like many of the deceased, Curry was convicted on several felonies, including drug possession charges and evading arrest.
Jamal Alexander, 31, was recovered from the same waterways in August, and his cause of death remains pending.
And finally, 57-year-old Latricia Amos was discovered in Brays Bayou the same month, with her cause of death also unknown.
Buffalo Bayou
Arnulfo Alvarado, 63, Michael Rice, 67, and Michaela Miller were found dead in Buffalo Bayou within eight days of each other last month.
All of their causes of deaths remain unclear at this time.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Salome Garza's body was recovered from Buffalo Bayou on June 11. His cause of death was pending as of Friday.
Unspecified bayous
Rodolfo Salas Sosa tragically fell to his death when he fell from a highway overpass into a bayou earlier this year, according to an autopsy report conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Anthony Azua, 33, also died in March as a result of drowning, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences found.
Culcois Racius was found deceased in May, while 14-year-old Shannon Davis' awful passing was ruled as accidental as a result of drowning.
Callum Jones