Serial killer rumors are still swirling across Houston, but city leaders are once again stressing there is no evidence to support those claims.
Councilmember Letitia Plummer echoed assurances made last week by Mayor John Whitmire, telling residents: “There is no proof that there is a serial killer involved in these killings.”
Plummer’s comments came just days after a sixth body was pulled from a Houston-area bayou, intensifying unease and fueling speculation online. While officials insist the cases are unrelated, community members say a lack of clear information is leaving their minds to wander.
“The day after telling the public that there was no cause for concern, you find another body. What comfort level are we left with?” asked Tomaro Bell, chair of the McGregor Super Neighborhood. “So I am here to say, tell us more.”
Meeting at Good Hope Baptist Church
Plummer organized a news conference and community meeting on Tuesday at Good Hope Baptist Church, just off Brays Bayou and only miles from where University of Houston student Jade “Sage” McKissic’s body was discovered earlier last month.
“Can we enjoy being a student? Can we enjoy being free, or do we have to watch around every corner?” asked TSU student Erin Slaughter, who said McKissic’s death has rattled students across Houston’s campuses.
For many residents, the frustration stems from not knowing even the most basic facts. Bell called for what she described as “deliverables” – identifiers such as age, race and gender of the deceased, while families and the medical examiner await final reports.
“We don’t want assumptions,” Bell said. “This community wants to know what is going on, what is being done.”
Leaders stress vigilance
Even as leaders pushed back against serial killer claims, Plummer urged residents to take precautions when traveling near bayous.
“I can’t specifically answer what’s happening in those particular areas. We have 2,500 miles of this. It’s a lot of space,” she said. “So it’s really a point where a community has to be aware and they need to know what they need to do to protect themselves.
“Don’t ride your bike underneath the underpass. I’m a cyclist. I know there are areas people can hide. So you have to be diligent yourself and be responsible in terms of making good decisions when it comes to traveling on our bayou greenways.”
Plummer also called for people to watch out for one another.
“Always know where you are and who you’re with. It’s really important to share your location with someone that you know cares about you,” she said. “Check in with people. If someone has not shown up for a couple of days or even 24 hours and you feel concerned, ask questions.
“Make sure we all protect each other. We are community. Like my grandmother always said, the village raises us.”
Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz pushed back on suggestions that city leaders are downplaying the issue to protect Houston’s reputation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In regards to the questions about the World Cup coming to Houston — we are not concerned about all of that. Sure, that helps the economics of the city, but we want the city to be safe and we don’t want just a false picture put forth. We’re not trying to politicize anything. If there is an unsafe environment, then the people need to know where they’re going because we need them to be vigilant as well.”
– Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz
What comes next?
Houston police and Mayor Whitmire did not attend the meeting, but sent a statement to Plummer that reiterated details shared in last week’s press conference. Investigators said causes of death are still pending from the medical examiner, and stressed that each case remains under review.
Still, for many in the community, reassurances fall short. The bayous, once prized as natural landmarks, are now linked with fear.
“People are alarmed. People want answers. This has lit up social media around the country, around the world,” Bell said. “Tell us more.”
