Houston Mayor Faces Criticism Over Serial Bayou Deaths Amid 16 Bodies Found

Houston has seen a disturbing surge in bodies found in its bayous, with at least 16 bodies recovered in 2025 alone, raising public fears of a possible serial killer. Mayor John Whitmire has dismissed these concerns, attributing the deaths to issues related to homelessness, drugs, and alcohol, and calling the drownings "not a new phenomenon." However, families of victims, including that of Kenneth Cutting Jr., who was found dead with no injuries or drugs in his system, have accused the mayor of "gaslighting" the public by downplaying the possibility of foul play. Cutting's family and others argue that many of the deaths cannot be explained by accidental drowning or suicide, fueling suspicions that a serial killer or deliberate dumping of bodies may be occurring. Despite the mayor's reassurances, the unexplained circumstances of some deaths and the high number of fatalities in the waterways have intensified calls for thorough investigations. The situation remains a source of fear and controversy in Houston as officials and families seek answers.