Authorities in Memphis are investigating a disturbing discovery after the remains of three young children were found in a wooded area, a case that police say may date back several years.
The investigation began on March 8 when a person walking a dog reported finding what appeared to be a human skull near a wooded area in the Hickory Hill neighborhood. Officers responded and secured the scene, launching a search that would ultimately uncover more remains.
In the weeks that followed, cadaver dogs alerted investigators to a nearby drainage pipe, prompting a more extensive search. Authorities later located a second skull inside the drainage system, followed by 14 additional bones believed to be human.
Medical examiners have since determined the remains belong to three children, believed to be between the ages of 3 and 7. Police say the remains appear to have been at the location for “several years,” though an exact timeline has not yet been confirmed.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis described the case as both “heartbreaking” and “disturbing,” noting that investigators are working to identify the children and determine how they died. So far, authorities have not matched the victims with any missing persons reports in the Memphis area, raising the possibility that the children may not be from the region.
Roughly 170 personnel, including federal partners such as the FBI, have been involved in the search and investigation, which remains ongoing. Officials say there is currently no indication of an active threat to the public.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that someone may recognize the victims or have knowledge that could help bring closure to the case.
The identities of the children and the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unknown as investigators continue to follow leads.
