Additional Coverage:
- Remains of 3 children were likely in a wooded area ‘for several years’ before discovery, Memphis police say (nbcnews.com)
Memphis authorities announced on Wednesday the discovery of the remains of three young children, believed to be between 3 and 7 years old, found in a wooded area along Ridge Meadow Parkway. Police say the remains have likely been there for several years.
At a news conference, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis described the situation as both heartbreaking and disturbing. She emphasized that law enforcement agencies are deploying extensive resources to identify the children and bring clarity to the case.
The investigation began on March 8 when an anonymous tip led officers to a possible human skull near the 3400 block of Ridge Meadow Parkway. Responding officers confirmed the presence of a skull at the edge of the woods. Cadaver dogs later indicated the presence of additional human remains near a drainage pipe in the area.
Further inspections of the drainage system using cameras took place on March 16 and April 1, revealing another possible skull. On April 2, search teams recovered 14 more bones consistent with human remains.
Chief Davis confirmed that the remains are believed to belong to three children, and authorities are actively working to determine their identities and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. A coordinated operation was conducted on Wednesday along Ridge Meadow Parkway to search for additional evidence.
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including local law enforcement, the FBI, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. Despite the grim discovery, Chief Davis reassured the public there is no known threat.
“We believe someone knows where these children came from,” Davis said. “Someone may have information about missing children connected to this area.” A review of recent missing persons reports found no matches for the remains, and it appears the children were not reported missing locally.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274 as the investigation continues.