A haunting discovery in a wooded area of Memphis has launched a multi-agency investigation after the remains of three children, believed to be between 3 and 7 years old, were found scattered across a drainage system and nearby terrain, with police saying the bodies may have been there for years.

Authorities say the case remains one of the most disturbing scenes they have encountered, with investigators now racing to identify the children and determine how they died.

Grim Discovery in the Woods

The investigation began on March 8, when a person walking their dog spotted a skull near a wooded area and immediately alerted police, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said during a news conference Wednesday.

That single discovery triggered an expanding search that would slowly reveal a far more tragic scene hidden in the area.

Expanding Search Leads to Second Skull

As officers combed the surroundings over the following days and weeks, a K-9 cadaver dog alerted investigators to a nearby drainage pipe.

The area was later examined with a camera, leading to a second chilling discovery on April 1, when investigators found another skull inside the drainage system, Davis said.

More Remains Found as Search Intensifies

The following day, search teams uncovered additional human remains in the same general area, finding 14 bones as the investigation widened, according to Davis.

What began as a single report had now escalated into a large-scale recovery effort spanning multiple agencies.

Massive Multi-Agency Operation Underway

By Wednesday, roughly 170 personnel from multiple agencies, including the FBI and search and rescue teams, were working the scene, combing the wooded area for any additional evidence that could help identify the children or explain what happened.

Officials said they aimed to conclude active searching at the specific location by Wednesday evening as the focus shifts to forensic identification and investigation.

No Identifications and No Missing Reports

Authorities say the children are estimated to be between 3 and 7 years old and have not been matched to any missing persons reports in the Memphis area.

The cause of death remains unknown, and investigators have not indicated any immediate threat to the public.

Heartbreaking Plea for Answers

Chief Davis emphasized the urgency of identifying the children and finding answers in a case that has left investigators shaken.

“Someone knows of missing children that we have discovered in this area,” Davis 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.”