Remains of three children found in Tennessee woods have likely been rotting there for ā€˜a few years’: cops

TheĀ remains of three young childrenĀ were likely rotting in Tennessee woods for several years before an unassuming dog walker stumbled upon them last month, according to authorities.

Memphis police made the grim discovery after a woman called cops to report finding a human skull while walking her pooch in a heavily-wooded part of the Hickory Hills neighborhood on March 8.

During a subsequent search of the area – just blocks away from an elementary school and church – police recovered a second human skull in the woods, as well as 14 bones in a nearby drainage system, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said during a news conference Wednesday.

Law enforcement investigating skeletal remains in a wooded area in Memphis on April 23, 2026
The remains were found after a woman found a human skull while walking her dog on March 8, according to authorities.WMC
The remains are now believed to be from three victims aged 3 to 7 years old – as initial findings from the medical examiner’s office indicate their remains had been at the scene for ā€œa few years,ā€ Davis said.

Authorities are now asking for the public’s help to identify the victims and trace their origins, as no missing person reports in Memphis led to a match, the chief explained.

ā€œWe knew that this individual was not, or these individuals were not, persons that were reported out of our area,ā€ she said.

ā€œSomebody knows where these children have come from. Someone knows the missing children that we have discovered in this area. It’s heartbreaking. It’s disturbing.

ā€œWe’re going to follow every inch of this investigation, no stone unturned to just look at the possibilities,ā€ Davis vowed.

Law enforcement officers investigating the discovery of children's remains in woods by Hickory Hills, Tennessee
Investigators are canvassing the surrounding area for additional evidence that could lead to the victims’ identities, the Memphis police chief said Wednesday.WMC
The chief reassured the public that there was no indication of an active threat, and said a team of aapproximately 170 personnel – including FBI agents – were going to continue ā€œa thorough and methodical searchā€ of the area for additional evidence.

Local medical examiner Scott Collier toldĀ NBC NewsĀ that his office would work ā€œexpeditiouslyā€ to identify the remains.

ā€œThe West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center has been actively working with multiple agencies using all available resources to identify the skeletal remains found in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis,ā€ Collier told the outlet.

A pastor from New Direction Christian Church, just blocks away from the crime scene, said the horrifying discovery demonstrates the importance of protecting young people.

ā€œI think it’s more confirmation that we need to come together and collaborate. As the old proverb says, ā€˜It takes a whole village to raise a child.’ So when we begin to adopt our blocks, schools, mentors, young people, I believe we tighten up our security fences around our kids to ensure that we have safe communities for all,ā€ Senior Pastor Stacy Spencer toldĀ local news outlet WREG.

Memphis Police Department members and other officials standing behind a podium for a press conference.
ā€œSomebody knows where these children have come from. Someone knows the missing children that we have discovered in this area. It’s heartbreaking. It’s disturbing,ā€ Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said.Memphis Police Department
ā€œNot another child should die on our watch,ā€ he said.

The Memphis Police Department sent aĀ news releaseĀ about the case in response to inquiries about the investigation.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH or the Memphis Police Department Homicide Bureau at 901-636-3300.