Remains of Three Children Found in Memphis Woods After Years

Authorities in Memphis are investigating the discovery of the remains of three young children, believed to have been in a wooded area for several years. The children are estimated to be between the ages of 3 and 7. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis announced the findings at a news conference on Wednesday.

The investigation began on March 8 when an anonymous caller reported a possible human skull near the 3400 block of Ridge Meadow Parkway. Officers responding to the call found what appeared to be a human skull at the edge of the woods. Subsequent searches involved cadaver dogs that alerted to a nearby drainage pipe, prompting officials to inspect the drainage system with a camera on March 16, though no remains were initially found.

On April 1, investigators located another skull within the drainage system. The following day, search teams recovered 14 additional bones consistent with human remains. Chief Davis said the remains are believed to belong to three children, but their identities and the cause of death remain undetermined.

About 170 personnel from various agencies, including the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, have been involved in the search and investigation. The operation on Wednesday focused on Ridge Meadow Parkway to find more evidence.

Chief Davis emphasized there is no active threat to the public and noted that the children do not match any recent missing persons reports in the Memphis area. “Somebody knows where these children have come from. Someone knows of missing children that we have discovered in this area,” she said. “This is heartbreaking, it’s disturbing, and at this time we have numerous resources to help us to identify these young people and bring closure to this investigation.”

Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274.