Overview
- Police say three men were found on Dec. 22 and Dec. 24 in Buffalo and Brays bayous, with one identified as 57-year-old Lewis Barnes and causes of death still pending.
- The 2025 tally stands at 34 bodies recovered from Houston-area bayous, compared with 35 in 2024, according to local records.
- Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare says there is no evidence linking the recent cases to an active serial killer and cites homelessness, mental health and substance use as key factors.
- A Houston Chronicle review shows more than 200 bayou recoveries since 2017, with drowning the leading cause and a large share historically classified as undetermined.
- City officials say Houston Police are maintaining visible patrols along bayou trails, including horseback and bike units, as investigations continue.