34 bodies pulled from Houston bayous in 12 months, but officials say there’s ‘nothing’ to indicate one chilling theory

The bodies of 34 people have been pulled from waterways around Houston in the past year. Three more bodies were found between December 22 and 24, just before Christmas. Texas police recovered them from the Buffalo and Brays Bayous near the city. Right away, people on social media started talking about a possible serial killer.

But local officials say there is no serial killer. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare told reporters that nothing points to a repeat killer. “There is nothing, nothing, and I want to be crystal clear, to indicate that there is someone operating here as a serial killer,” he said, according to Unilad. “There are many reasons for these deaths. None of them are a serial killer.”

Teare explained that most bodies end up in the bayous because of mental health problems, homelessness, and drug use. People living in unsafe conditions are more likely to fall into the water by accident. He said Houston has a big homeless problem and serious issues with mental health and addiction. These problems cause many of the deaths they find.

Local residents aren’t buying the official explanation

However, not everyone believes the official story. Local resident Erick Cortez says that he thinks someone must be responsible. “There must be someone out there, no? Because it’s ridiculous that so many people are dying in the bayou, I think it’s unfortunate that they haven’t found the person,” he said.

The theory has sparked conversations about how serial killers operate and whether someone dangerous could be hiding in plain sight.

Despite the high number reported this year, officials noted that 2024 actually recorded one more body recovered than the current total. While the latest figures are alarming, authorities say last year remains the highest on record.

City data shows that roughly 200 bodies have been recovered over the past nine years. Within that period, this year ranks as the second-highest total, underscoring an ongoing and troubling trend that continues to raise concerns among officials and residents alike.

Around half of these deaths were drownings. Another 40 percent were ruled as suicides, murders, or deaths from blunt force injuries. Many of the victims were homeless people from the city. Cases like these often rely on observant witnesses spotting warning signs that something might be wrong.

Houston Mayor Whitmire made similar comments back in September when the body count reached 24. He said there’s no proof of a serial killer. He explained that when homeless people die from illness like diabetes or cancer, their friends don’t take them to funeral homes. Unfortunately, homeless people who pass away often end up in the bayou.