Memphis Police Expand Probe After Dog Walker Finds Remains Of Three Children
Memphis police expanded a probe after a dog walker found the remains of three children near Ridgeway and Winchester in early March.
Police say the probe began March 8 after an anonymous dog walker reported a possible human skull near a wooded area between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road. Investigators now believe the remains belong to three children roughly ages 3 to 7, and they say the bones may have been at the site for several years. About 170 personnel from Memphis Police, the Shelby County Medical Examiner, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal partners and Memphis Fire are conducting a systematic search of the area. Officers recovered a first skull on March 8, cadaver dogs alerted at a drainage pipe, a second apparent skull was recovered April 1, and fourteen additional bones were found April 2. Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said there is no indication of an active threat to the public but emphasized that someone likely knows of missing children who match the remains.
Earlier coverage focused on a single possible skull and the initial discovery, while newer reports document multiple finds, an expanded multiagency search and revised age estimates. The updated timeline and detail, widely reported by outlets including Fox News, prompted police to broaden the probe and solicit public tips. Social posts and local reporting circulated the news quickly, generating public alarm and calls for information as investigators urged anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward.
đ Key Facts
- The investigation began March 8 after an anonymous dog walker reported a possible human skull near a wooded area between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road in Memphis.
- Police now believe the remains are those of three children roughly between 3 and 7 years old and that the bones have likely been there for several years.
- Timeline of recoveries: the first skull was found March 8; cadaver dogs later alerted at a drainage pipe; a second apparent skull was recovered April 1; and fourteen additional bones were found April 2.
- About 170 personnel from Memphis Police, the Shelby County Medical Examiner, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal partners and Memphis Fire are conducting a systematic search of the area.
- Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said there is no indication of any active threat to the public, but emphasized that someone likely knows of missing children who match the remains.
đ° Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Investigation began March 8 after an anonymous dog walker reported a possible human skull near a wooded area between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road.
- Police now believe the remains are of three children between roughly 3 and 7 years old and that the bones have likely been there for several years.
- About 170 personnel from Memphis Police, the Shelby County Medical Examiner, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal partners and Memphis Fire are conducting a systematic search.
- Timeline details: first skull found March 8, cadaver dogs later alerted at a drainage pipe, a second apparent skull was recovered April 1, and fourteen additional bones were found April 2.
- Police Chief Cerelyn Davis stated there is no indication of any active threat to the public while emphasizing someone likely knows of missing children matching the remains.