HOUSTON — In the past two 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 six 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 six 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
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 six 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…