Memphis Police Discover Remains of 3 Children in Woods That Had Been There ‘for a Few Years’

A disturbing discovery of three children’s remains has shaken Memphis, Tennessee. On April 22, authorities announced that the children were believed to be between the ages of 3 and 7. Their remains had been in a wooded area for years before they were found.

The discovery came on March 8, after a call about a possible human skull near a wooded area in the 3400 block of Ridge Meadow Parkway. Authorities launched an investigation soon after.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said the remains had been there for “a few years.” She said, “This is heartbreaking, is disturbing, and at this time, we have numerous resources to help us to identify these young people and bring closure to this investigation.”

On March 8, after an anonymous caller made the report, officers arrived at the scene and found what appeared to be a human skull at the edge of the woods. Officials said a subsequent canvassing of the area led to additional discoveries.

Police found possible human remains in a nearby drainage pipe after cadaver dogs alerted them. On March 16, police returned to the scene to inspect the drainage system using a camera. On April 1, another skull was found.

According to authorities, on April 2, “14 additional bones consistent with human remains” were found during another search of the area. Davis said the remains are believed to be from three children between the ages of 3 and 7.

On April 22, another operation was conducted along Ridge Meadow Parkway to search for additional evidence. The team included local, state, and federal officials, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.

Investigators are looking for clues that might lead to the identification of the children, as well as the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Despite the disturbing discovery, Davis said there is no threat to the public.

“Somebody knows where these children have come from. Someone knows of missing children that we have discovered in this area,” Davis said. The police department has reviewed missing persons reports, but no match has been found.

“We know that this individual was not, or these individuals were not, persons that were reported out of our area,” Davis said. Authorities have encouraged the public to come forward if they have any information regarding the case.