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Houston police discover 16 bodies in bayous this year as mayor dismisses serial killer speculation

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Houston police discover 16 bodies in bayous this year as mayor dismisses serial killer speculation

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Texas police have found at least 16 bodies in the bayous around Houston so far this year, according to authorities and local reports, sparking concerns of a serial killer which city leaders are working to dispel.

Houston’s mayor has said police have no evidence of a serial killer, but experts are calling for an extensive investigation into the deaths.

“Something is afoot,” said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor, at Penn State-Lehigh Valley. “A coincidence? Unlikely. A careful inspection of each case is warranted, including the 48 hours prior to the discovery of their disappearance.”

The spate of apparent drownings is reminiscent of another concerning number of deaths in the waters of Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.

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SERIAL KILLER FEARS GRIP AUSTIN AFTER DOZENS OF BODIES PULLED FROM LAKE

Houston fire and police personnel recover a body from White Oak Bayou near the Heights in Houston, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Five of the bodies were discovered in a five-day span last month, according to Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz. 

“There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to suggest that any of these incidents are connected,” Diaz told reporters.

Capt. Salam Zia, commander of the Houston Police Department’s homicide division, said the youngest victim was 20. Authorities later revealed the bodies belonged to both males and females, and ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.

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“Rumors stir fear and anxiety in our communities,” the chief said. “It’s important to rely on verified information and investigations.”

However, authorities have discovered at least two more bodies since authorities made those remarks, according to Chron, Houston’s local news site.

NEW ENGLAND SERIAL KILLER FEARS GRIP COASTAL TOWN AFTER PADDLEBOARDER’S ‘TERRIFYING’ MURDER

HPD Police Chief Noe Diaz listens as Mayor John Whitmire comments on a recent number of bodies found in Houston bayous during a news conference in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Houston Mayor John Whitmire slammed misinformation and “wild speculation” online and from political candidates surrounding the cases at a news briefing on Sept. 23.

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“We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas,” he said. “Let me say that again, there is no evidence that there is a serial killer loose in the streets of Houston.”

The Sims Bayou Greenway near the Houston Botanic Garden and the Glenbrook Park is shown in Houston, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

TEEN’S BODY FOUND UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES AT DETROIT AREA CEMETERY PROMPTS INVESTIGATION

He called the number of deaths “alarming” and asked for patience as city police investigate.

“I grew up in Houston,” he told reporters. “Unfortunately, drowning in our bayous is not a new phenomenon.”

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There are 2,500 miles of waterways around the city, he said, as well as a homeless population living outdoors.

The Bayou running through Piney Point Village on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Houston. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

MISSING NEW ORLEANS BOY, 12, DIED AFTER ALLIGATOR ATTACK, DROWNING: AUTHORITIES

Whitmire suggested that when homeless people die, their friends often throw them in the water.

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“Unfortunately the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou,” he said.

He also pointed to alcohol use and mental health problems as potential factors in the deaths.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Man stabbed to death after violent dog attack on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Man stabbed to death after violent dog attack on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Loved ones are devastated after a 37-year-old man was attacked by a dog and stabbed to death by several men on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The unprovoked attack happened on May 20 as Berry Henderson, 37, was standing at a bus stop near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue around 3 p.m.

Surveillance video showed Henderson running into the street as a dog was seen chasing him and aggressively biting him. 

Henderson managed to pull out a knife and stabbed the dog to defend himself. That’s when a group of four men, one of whom was the dog’s owner, rushed over to attack Henderson. A suspect who was armed with a machete was seen stabbing and punching Henderson.

  • A group of four men stabbed and punched Barry Henderson after he stabbed the attacking dog in defense on May 20, 2026. (Henderson Family)
  • Berry Henderson, 37, tried to escape the area from his attackers who quickly cornered him again on May 20, 2026. (Henderson Family)
  • Loved ones held a candelight vigil at the crime scene on the Hollywood Walk Fame to honor Berry Henderson on May 29, 2026. (KTLA)
  • Berry Henderson, 37, is seen in a family photo.
  • Berry Henderson, 37, is seen in a family photo.
  • The victim's cousin, Demeya Brewer, speaks with KTLA at a candlelight vigil in Hollywood on May 29, 2026. (KTLA)
  • Surveillance video showed Berry Henderson, 37, running into the street as a violent dog was seen chasing him and aggressively biting him near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood on May 20, 2026. (Henderson Family)

The victim’s cousin, Sharon Grimes, said she was stunned that no bystanders acted to help Henderson.

“People around weren’t doing anything,” she said. “I didn’t see anybody try to come to his rescue, with all that blood. Nobody picked up the phone.”

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“That’s what makes it so shocking,” said Najee Ali, a community activist. “That someone could actually be stabbed to death, beaten and bit by a dog in broad daylight with no one helping.”

Henderson, who was critically injured, stumbled across the street while trying to escape the attackers, but the men quickly came after him again.

“He was running away,” said Demeya Brewer, the victim’s cousin. “He was down on the ground, running away and they still continued to attack him.”

Henderson, who had suffered multiple stab wounds, died from his injuries at the hospital. 

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the scene and were able to locate and arrest three suspects. The fourth male suspect managed to escape.

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On Friday night, Henderson’s family gathered at the scene for a candlelight vigil to honor Henderson, who was a student at a local trade school. Family members said he was a peaceful man who was loved by his friends and community.

“My cousin was not a threat to anyone,” Brewer said. “This was his area, his neighborhood. Business owners knew him. We need more love and peace.”

Henderson’s family believes there are witnesses who likely know where the fourth suspect is hiding. They’re asking anyone with information on the case to call the LAPD at 213-382-9470.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Man arrested for multiple Los Angeles freeway shootings: CHP

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Man arrested for multiple Los Angeles freeway shootings: CHP

A man suspected of repeatedly shooting at other vehicles while driving on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles County was arrested on May 29, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP pulled over the suspected shooter, Martin Moreno-Pacheco, in South Los Angeles at about 3:40 a.m. Friday. Prior to his arrest, CHP officers suspected that Moreno-Pacheco was connected to multiple freeway shootings in recent days.

On May 26, a driver reported a car-to-car shooting, which they said happened on the 405 Freeway near Wilmington Avenue on May 23. The victim told investigators that the person responsible for the shooting was driving a black pickup truck.

“The victim reported an unprovoked shooting occurred, resulting in damage to the victim’s vehicle,” CHP said.

The 405 Freeway near Wilmington Avenue in Los Angeles. (Google Street View)

On May 28, at about 5:30 a.m., another car-to-car shooting was reported on the 405 Freeway south of Vermont Avenue. The victim told investigators that their car was damaged in a shooting committed by someone in a black pickup.

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“Based on the investigation conducted, both incidents, as well as a third incident, which occurred on May 22, 2026, were determined to be committed by the same individual,” CHP said.

Moreno-Pacheco was found and arrested a week later. Upon searching Moreno-Pacheco’s truck, CHP officers found a loaded BB gun inside the truck’s passenger compartment.

No one was injured in the shootings, CHP said. CHP is asking any additional witnesses or victims of the alleged crimes to contact Officer C. Ortega at the CHP South Los Angeles Area office at (424) 551-4000.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Rescued sea lion pups released in Manhattan Beach

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Rescued sea lion pups released in Manhattan Beach

Three rescued California sea lion pups were released back into the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach Friday morning after weeks of rehabilitation for malnutrition, dehydration and other health issues. The public release event took place on the north side of the Manhattan Beach Pier and was hosted by the Marine Mammal Care Center, Los Angeles […]

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