The Houston mayor has shut down social media rumors that there is a serial killer operating in the city.
Speaking at a Tuesday afternoon news conference alongside Chief of Houston Police Department, J. Noe Diaz Jr., John Whitmire said there was “no evidence” that a serial killer existed, amid concerns about a spate of deaths in Texas’ most populous city.
Newsweek contacted the Houston Police Department and the mayor’s office by email to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
Five bodies were located in bayous in Houston between September 15 and September 2020 sparking concern on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X that they may be the work of an unknown serial killer.
The need for Whitmire to intervene in response to the rumors underscores the potential for social media to promote rapid misinformation and the challenges authorities face in combating it.
What To Know
Speaking at the conference, Whitmire addressed each of the five incidents. He said that only one body has been publicly identified—that of 20-year-old University of Houston student, Jade McKissic, and that authorities did not suspect foul play.
He said: “Enough is enough. We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas. If there was, you’d hear it from me first.”
“Its very frustrating to me to be at home and watch the news or social media and see people spread what I know to be false,” he added.
He added: “We do have challenges with public safety, it’s one of the reasons I ran for mayor, but a serial killer on the loose is not one of our challenges today as it relates to public safety.”
Chief Diaz added that 14 bodies have been recovered from bayous in 2025 thus far. He said that in 2024, the figure was 24.
What People Are Saying
Chief Diaz said at the conference: “There’s no evidence, and I repeat, no evidence, to suggest that any of these incidents are connected. For us as an agency, rumors stir fear and anxiety in our communities. It’s important to rely on verified information and investigations.”
What Happens Next
Further information about the bodies found in Houston will likely be released. Chief Diaz said the cause of the deaths are being determined by the medical examiner’s office.
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