Authorities are investigating the death of a young girl whose body was discovered in a creek on Houston’s north side Monday morning.
At an evening press conference, Houston Police Department investigators and Mayor John Whitmire revealed that they believe the girl, approximately 12 years old, sneaked out of her home around 10 p.m. Sunday night. She had not been reported missing. Her body was found at about 6 a.m. in a creek located in the 400 block of West Rankin Road.
“Someone has taken one of our innocent children,” acting police chief Larry Satterwhite stated during the press conference. “We believe someone did this horrible thing to her, and we are here to ask for your help.”
Mayor Whitmire expressed his frustration, saying, “It makes me angry that we have dangerous criminals on the streets of Houston.”
The Houston Police Department is reviewing surveillance footage to follow up on leads, describing the circumstances as suspicious and suspecting foul play.
Police did not provide details on the condition of the girl’s body. The medical examiner’s office is working to officially identify the victim. Both Satterwhite and Whitmire mentioned that they had spoken to the girl’s mother, who is devastated by the loss.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the girl’s death to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Mayor Whitmire made a rare appearance during the police briefing following the tragic discovery.
