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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (BFMG) — In a heartbreaking development, the remains found at a wastewater lift station have been confirmed as those of Caleb Harris, a 21-year-old student from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi who disappeared from his off-campus apartment in the early morning of March 4, 2024. The discovery marks a tragic conclusion to a months-long search and investigation that involved numerous agencies and volunteers.
The Search for Caleb Harris
Following Harris’s disappearance, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) launched an extensive search operation. The CCPD’s efforts included deploying the Drone Team, Bike Team, Enduro Unit, 83rd Police Academy Class, Search and Recovery Dive Team, and Directed Patrol Officers. The Coast Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Port of Corpus Christi Police Department Marine Unit, Texas Search and Rescue, and student volunteers from Texas A&M CC also participated, alongside countless civilian volunteers. The search spanned hundreds of acres around Harris’s apartment complex.
Investigation Efforts
In addition to the physical search, a dedicated investigative team was formed, comprising CCPD’s Criminal Investigation Division and Organized Crime Unit, the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, and the Texas Rangers. Over the ensuing months, this team executed over 50 digital search warrants, submitted 82 preservation requests, and analyzed more than 1500 GB of data in their effort to find Harris.
The Grim Discovery
On June 24, city workers conducting maintenance at the Perry Place wastewater lift station, located off the 5300 block of Lexington Road, discovered human remains inside a wastewater collection well. They immediately contacted the police. The remains, which bore no obvious signs of homicide, were sent to the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office and subsequently to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) for DNA analysis.
DNA Confirmation
Forensic analysts at UNTCHI confirmed that the remains were those of Caleb Harris. The DNA report indicated that the remains “are approximately 2.4 sextillion times more likely to be observed if the unidentified remains originated from a biological child of (Caleb Harris’s parents) rather than if the unidentified remains originated from an unrelated individual from the Caucasian population.”
Community Reaction
The confirmation of Harris’s identity has deeply affected the community. Becky Harris, Caleb’s mother, expressed her grief and faith in a Facebook post: “We all have heavy hearts this evening as we learned of the positive identification of our sweet Caleb. We will grieve our son, but we are at peace knowing he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our only hope is in Jesus. If you don’t know our Savior please talk to me. I love talking about Jesus. Thank you for your prayers and support during this tragic time.”
Randy Harris, Caleb’s father, echoed these sentiments in a statement to KSAT in San Antonio: “We all have heavy hearts this evening as we learned of the positive identification of our sweet Caleb. We will grieve our son, but we are at peace knowing he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Ongoing Investigation
Although the remains have been identified as Caleb Harris, the investigation remains open. Phone records and other evidence continue to be examined. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Corpus Christi Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (361) 826-2840 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (888-8477).
The search for Caleb Harris showcased the tremendous effort and cooperation between multiple agencies and the community, highlighting the collective hope and determination to find a missing loved one. As the investigation continues, the community stands united in support of the Harris family during this difficult time.
