Skeletal remains have been discovered during the ongoing search for missing Missouri City resident Karen Miles, according to police.
Miles, a mother and dedicated community member, was last seen at her apartment in the Missouri City/Harris County area on August 21. She was reported missing after failing to show up for work on August 22.
The search for Miles took a turn on August 25 when Pearland police used license plate tracking cameras to locate her car, which had stolen Arkansas plates, in the parking lot of an H-E-B in the Pearland Business Center. Behind the wheel was a man named Davante Clark, but Miles was nowhere to be found. Clark was arrested on unrelated charges, though authorities have not linked him to her disappearance.
Miles was deeply involved in her community, serving on the Black Heritage Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and working in human resources. Her daughter, Janice Bond, described her as a pillar of the community, saying, “She always volunteered, but I never fully realized the extent of her impact until now.” Her son, John Miles, shared that his mother had been working on starting a nonprofit to provide housing for veterans, always looking for new ways to serve others.
Detective Derrick Spencer of the Missouri City Police Department stated that Clark is considered a person of interest, adding, “We believe Clark may have crucial information.” Although Clark was found with a firearm, police have not yet determined how he came to possess Miles’ vehicle, as there is no known connection between the two. Foul play has not been ruled out.
Miles’ absence first raised alarm when friends noticed she hadn’t posted on social media since the night of August 21. Wendy Lewis Armstrong, a friend who knew Miles through their work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, became worried after her calls to Miles went unanswered.
“We’re all just hoping for the best and praying for her safe return,” Armstrong said.
Police tip led investigators to remains
On Tuesday, Missouri City police received a lead of Miles’ whereabouts in the 16000 block of Blue Ridge Road. While searching a heavy brush and deeply wooded area, skeletal remains were located.
The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy and confirm the identity of the remains.
“The Missouri City Police Department wants to assure family, friends and all those who know Karen, we are conducting a fair and thorough investigation,” a statement by the department reads.
Anyone with information about Karen Miles’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Missouri City Police Department at 281-403-8700.
