Remains of 3 children found in vacant field in Hickory Hill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —  The remains of three children, ranging in age from 3 to 7 years old, have been found in a vacant field in Hickory Hill, according to Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis.

Davis said Wednesday that two skulls and 14 additional bones were found. The FBI, TBI, SCSO, and Shelby County Homeland Security Management are reportedly involved in the investigation.

According to the MPD, on Mar. 8, officers responded to a suspicious person call in the 3400 block of Ridge Meadow Parkway.

Davis said an anonymous caller reported a possible human skull near a wooded area, and officers found what appeared to be a human skull and later scheduled a search for the following day.

Then, on March 10, investigators, along with medical examiners, conducted a thorough canvas, and a canine unit alerted authorities to a nearby drainage pipe, indicating the possible presence of additional human remains.

Days later, on March 16, the drainage system was inspected a camera system was used to examine the interior of the pipes.Another skull was found on April 1. The next day, another canvas of the area produced 14 additional bones consistent with human remains.Davis confirmed that an analysis by the medical examiner’s office determined the remains are of three juveniles. 

Authorities are reportedly working to identify the three children found and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

According to Davis, authorities conducted a systematic grid search on Wednesday between Rideway Road and Winchester Road for any additional evidence.The children were not found to match any missing persons reports in Memphis.Based on information from the medical examiner’s office, Davis said the remains have been at the scene for a few years.

“Somebody knows where these children have come from. This is heartbreaking, it’s disturbing, and at this time we have numerous resources to help us identify these young people and bring closure to this investigation,” said Chief Davis.

MPD said this is an active and ongoing investigation.