A wave of disturbing discoveries in Houston’s sprawling bayous has left residents shaken — and the internet sharing theories of a new serial killer.
Over the past several months, at least 16 bodies have been recovered from waterways across the city, with five found in a single week.
Now, theories of a possible serial killer or shadowy network behind the deaths are gaining traction — despite officials urging the public not to jump to conclusions.
City leaders neny serial killer and urge calm
In response to mounting panic, Houston officials have gone on record to stamp out suggestions of a serial predator.
“We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas,” Mayor John Whitmire said at a press conference on September 23, via PEOPLE.
“Let me say that again: there is no evidence that there is a serial killer loose in the streets of Houston.”
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz echoed the mayor’s remarks: “There is no evidence, and I repeat no evidence, to suggest that any of these incidents are connected.”
But not everyone is convinced.
Experts say ‘something is afoot’ as pattern raises red flags
The rising body count has alarmed experts — even those who have long dismissed sensational theories.
Former NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor Joseph Giacalone told Fox News Digital: “Something is afoot. A coincidence? Unlikely. A careful inspection of each case is warranted, including the 48 hours prior to the discovery of their disappearance.”
While Giacalone remains skeptical of larger conspiracies, he criticized officials for brushing off public concern too quickly: “You have 16 bodies, you can't just say everybody's dying and getting thrown into the river and everybody's homeless,” he said.
“You don't even know if they're from your town.”
“You need an individual autopsy and full toxicology on each one of these bodies.”
The ‘Smiley Face Killers’ theory surfaces again
One name that’s resurfaced amid the fear: the “Smiley Face Killers.”
The controversial theory suggests a network of serial killers has been targeting young men across the U.S., particularly in college towns, and dumping their bodies in waterways — sometimes near graffiti resembling a smiley face.
Retired NYPD Sgt. Kevin Gannon, one of the theory’s leading proponents, told Fox News Digital he believes the Houston deaths fit the pattern — mostly.
He said: “We’ve never seen drowning numbers like this before, especially with a drowning occurring every other day in the same location.”
Gannon noted that the age range of victims in Houston (some in their 60s) differs from the usual profile, but added: “This is an aberration and not the normal age of our 700-plus 'potential victims.'
"But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t be involved in killing these older individuals also, as they feel like they are pretty invincible right now and can act with impunity due to the police response.”
Who are the victims?
So far, the bodies recovered from Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and Hunting Bayou have included both men and women ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s.
Medical examiners have ruled several cases as accidental drownings, while others remain open pending toxicology reports.
One of the earliest victims was Douglas Sqearingen, whose body was found in White Oak Bayou in January.
His cause of death was listed as drowning, with methamphetamine toxicity as a contributing factor, The Sun reported.
In another case, a woman was discovered beneath a bridge near the University of Houston–Downtown. Her cause of death is still undetermined.
Two additional bodies have been recovered since the last official update.
Mayor cites homelessness, mental health, and drug use as factors
Mayor Whitmire admitted the deaths are “alarming,” but maintained they reflect larger societal issues — not a coordinated killing spree.
“There are 2,500 miles of waterways in Houston,” he said. “Unfortunately, drowning in our bayous is not a new phenomenon.”
Whitmire suggested that many of the deceased may have been experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
“Unfortunately, the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou,” he said, even speculating that some may have been “thrown in by others living on the streets.”
In 2023, 24 bodies were reportedly recovered from Houston’s bayous — indicating that deaths in the water are not new, though rarely have they come in such quick succession.
Community demands answers amid growing fear
Despite the city's firm stance, concern is spreading fast. Social media users have dubbed the case the “Bayou Deaths,” with many calling for increased transparency and public safety measures along Houston’s waterways.
The city’s waterways — often scenic but treacherous — are increasingly under scrutiny. The presence of bodies from such a wide age range, in multiple bayous, and within short time frames, has only heightened public distrust.
With multiple deaths still under investigation and several victims not yet identified, the full story behind Houston’s rising body count remains murky.
And while officials insist the cause is a tragic coincidence, many residents aren’t buying it.