Authorities share ‘safety guidance’ as fears of serial killer grow in one US state

Authorities have issued 'safety guidance' as concern grows in Houston, Texas, over speculation that a serial killer could be at large.

If you're not up to date with the news, police in the southern US state have been forced to consider the harrowing possibility after a 16th body was pulled from the city's collection of bayous last week.

The body of a man, who has since been identified as Anthony Curry, a 35-year-old barber and construction worker, was recovered in White Oak Bayou by authorities last Wednesday (8 October).

A coroner ruled that Curry died of accidental drowning. It was also found that he had both PCP and ethanol in his system at the time of his passing.

The latest incident not only marks the 16th body to be pulled from the city's waters this year, but also the seventh within the past month alone.

Suspicion began to grow last month when five bodies were recovered within the same week, the Independent reports.

Sixteen bodies have been pulled from Houston's bayous this year (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

On September 15, the body of 20-year-old University of Houston student Jade McKissic was found in Brays Bayou, after she was missing for four days.

The same day, another body was recovered from a different Bayou - Greens Bayou - and by the end of the week, three more were found in the White Oak and Buffalo bayous. The other victims identities are yet to be revealed.

And now, in the wake of the latest tragedy, residents have been left rattled by the ongoing speculation.

But, despite the alarming number of bodies, authorities have forcefully denied any possibility of foul play, and have attempted to shut down the rumours of another seriel killer.

In a September press conference, Houston mayor John Whitmire said: "Enough of misinformation [and] wild speculation by either social media, elected officials, candidates, the media. We do not have any evidence that there is a serial killer loose in Houston, Texas.

"Let me say again that there is no evidence that there is a serial killer loose on the streets of Houston. If there was, you would hear it from me first."

Las month, the Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire was forced to deny the possibility of a serial killer (Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images))

Meanwhile, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. emphasised that the deaths are not linked, and urged people to 'rely on verified information'.

He said: “The investigation into these incidents is pending the determination of the [Medical Examiner’s] office. For us, agency rumors stir fear and anxiety in our community. It’s important to rely on verified information and investigations."

During the conference, authorities also reportedly shared long-standing safety guidance to help ease the worry.

As per Click2Houston, officials advised people to:

• Avoid isolated underpasses after dark and travel in pairs when possible
• Share your location with someone you trust and check in regularly
• If a loved one’s silence is abnormal, request a wellness check
• Homeowners and businesses near greenways should review camera footage when recoveries are reported and share anything relevant with HPD