Memphians were shaken Wednesday by the discovery of human remains believed to be those of three young children in Southeast Memphis, as a heavy police presence worked a wooded crime scene near Ridge Meadow Parkway.
Even more disturbing is that early forensic analysis indicates the remains have been decaying for at least “a few years,” as investigators work to determine the victim’s identities and how they died.
Authorities also say the children, believed to be between 3 and 7, may not be from Memphis.
A review of the city’s missing persons reports turned up no matches, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said, adding that investigators are now exploring the possibility that the children could be from outside the area.
“That was the first thing that the Memphis Police Department did,” said Davis. “We conducted a review of all of our recent missing persons reports … we knew that these individuals were not persons that were reported out of our area.”
The remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area along Ridge Meadow Parkway near Ridgeway Road, where more than 170 personnel from local, state and federal agencies conducted a large-scale search Tuesday.
Police emphasized there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.
Discovery unfolded over weeks
According to Davis, the investigation began March 8 when an anonymous caller reported a possible human skull near the woods in the 3400 block of Ridge Meadow Parkway.
Officers located what appeared to be a skull at the edge of the tree line, prompting a series of follow-up searches over the next several weeks.
Cadaver dogs later alerted investigators to a nearby drainage pipe. That led to additional inspections, including the use of camera equipment inside the drainage system.
On April 1, investigators located what appeared to be a second skull. A search the following day resulted in the recovery of 14 additional bones.
“At this time … the remains are believed to be those of three individuals,” Davis said.
So far, authorities say only bone fragments have been recovered — no clothing or other identifying items.
Despite the disturbing nature of the discovery, Davis said investigators do not believe the location has been used as a dumping ground. Instead, the remains appear to have been intentionally concealed.
The current search is focused on a defined stretch along Ridge Meadow Parkway between Ridgeway Road and Winchester Road, where teams are conducting a methodical grid search for additional evidence.
Local Faith Leader: “We see you”
Standing alongside Davis, Stacey Spencer, pastor of New Direction Christian Church, whose campus borders the search area, addressed community concerns.
“We see you. We feel what you’re feeling, and we are standing with you,” Spencer said.
He emphasized that the church is cooperating fully with investigators and opening its campus to support the ongoing search.
“The safety of every person … and every child in this community is and has always been our highest priority,” Spencer said.
Spencer also urged residents to lean on one another and seek support.
“If you are struggling, if you are frightened, if you are grieving, you do not have to carry that alone,” he said.
A call for accountability and a plea for answers
Virginia Stallworth, director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, called the discovery “a heartbreaking loss” and urged the public to remain vigilant in protecting children.
“In Tennessee, all adults are legally and morally responsible to report suspicions of child abuse,” Stallworth said. “Let us intervene before the worst happens.”
Davis grew visibly emotional as she addressed the reality behind the investigation.
“Somebody knows where these children have come from,” she said. “Someone knows … This is heartbreaking. It’s disturbing. Even though their voices have been silenced, we plan to be the voice and the advocates for all of our children in our community.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274.
