Memphis police have recovered the remains of three children from a wooded area, stating that the remains had likely been there for several years. Investigators believe the children were between three and seven years old.
The Discovery Process
The investigation began on March 8 after an anonymous caller reported a potential human skull in the Hickory Hill area of south-east Memphis, Tennessee. Following this tip, police dogs alerted investigators to a nearby drainage pipe containing possible human remains, as NBC News reported.
Later in March, police used cameras to inspect the drainage system, where they located what appeared to be an additional skull. A further search conducted this month revealed 14 additional bones consistent with human remains.
Investigation and Identification Efforts
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis described the discovery as “heartbreaking” and “disturbing” during a news conference. She stated that numerous resources are currently being deployed to identify the children and bring closure to the investigation.
Chief Davis noted that a review of recent missing persons reports did not find any matching profiles. She clarified that these individuals were not reported missing from the local area.
Potential Next Steps
Law enforcement may continue to seek information from the public, as Chief Davis indicated that “somebody knows where these children have come from.” A possible next step could involve a wider search for missing children reports in surrounding regions to establish identities.
Investigators are likely to continue analyzing the recovered bones to determine the exact circumstances of the deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children’s remains were found?
Police believe the remains belong to three children.
Where were the remains discovered?
The remains were found in a wooded area and a drainage pipe in the Hickory Hill area, located south-east of Memphis, Tennessee.
Were the children reported missing in Memphis?
No. A review of recent missing persons reports did not find any matching profiles, and Chief Davis stated the individuals were not reported missing from the local area.
How can communities best assist law enforcement in identifying victims in cold cases where no local missing persons reports exist?
