Partial human remains have been found at a construction site in Houston’s Third Ward, and authorities have not yet identified the person to whom they belong. The discovery came Friday when workers found bones along a fence line near the intersection of Winbern and Live Oak streets and alerted police.
Houston police confirmed the find was partial human remains. Investigators are working to identify them. Neighbors described officers searching the area with flashlights for hours.
Chaz Knox’s Account
Chaz Knox, who lives across the street from the site, watched the search unfold.
“I see two cop cars right here, and I see police; they got nothing but flashlights,” Knox said. “They were looking all along here, like they’re looking down and looking for something. Then I see them. They focus mainly on the fenceline back side right here. They were here for at least a few hours.”
Knox has lived on Winbern Street his entire life. He watched the neighborhood change over the years. Months ago, developers cleared three houses on the lot and began construction for future patio homes.
The Search at the Site
The search focused on the fence line. Officers looked down and along the ground as they worked. Knox said they were there for at least a few hours.
The construction work stopped Friday after the remains were discovered. Neighbors said no one has come back to the site since.
Work at the location came to a halt Friday. The lot where three homes once stood now carries the weight of an open investigation.
What the Discovery Means for the Neighborhood
The discovery has unsettled the street. A construction site turned into a crime scene, and the people who live nearby are now waiting for answers.
Knox described the scene as shocking. He did not expect a body to be found.
The HPD Homicide Division is handling the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the division directly at 713-308-3600.
The Case in Context
The remains were partial, and investigators are working to identify them. The investigation is ongoing, and no identification has been made.
The search took place Friday. Knox said he thought officers were looking for shells at first, but he did not expect a body. He described the scene as shocking.
What Happened in Order
- Construction workers found bones along a fence line near Winbern and Live Oak streets Friday.
- Workers contacted police after the discovery.
- Houston police confirmed the remains were partial human remains.
- Investigators began working to identify the remains.
- Officers searched the area with flashlights for at least a few hours.
- Neighbors described the scene unfolding from their homes.
- The construction work stopped Friday after the remains were found.
- Developers had cleared three houses on the lot for future patio homes months ago.
- Knox, who lives across the street, watched the neighborhood change over the years.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact HPD’s Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
The neighborhood is watching. The search continues.
Source material: “Skeletal remains found at Third Ward construction site shocks residents,” ABC13 Houston.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.