10/22/2025
Houston Bayou bodies.
๐๏ธ Sharing the Story of Salome Garza Jr., โJunebugโ
Today, with the help of his family, Iโm sharing the story of Salome Garza Jr., lovingly known as Junebug.
His cousin reached out last week โ and I was shocked to learn that no media outlet had ever shared his story.
On June 11, 2025, Salomeโs body was recovered from Buffalo Bayou near Baker Street in downtown Houston.
He was only 34 years old.
His grieving family is still searching for answers. ๐
Salome was NOT homeless.
He came from an enormous and loving family.
His cousin Sonia and mother Annisa trusted me to share his story, and Iโm deeply grateful for that.
Annisa described her son as 6โ3โ โ tall, dark, and handsome with dreams of becoming a UFC fighter.
He was smart, funny, caring, and deeply loved.
He grew up with dyslexia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, and as an adult, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia around age 27 โ a condition he managed with medication, even though it often made him sick. Despite it all, he stayed close with his family and spoke to them regularly.
His mom spoke with him just weeks before the tragedy.
His sister saw and spoke with him two days before his body was found, when he was visiting a friend downtown. That friend said Salome left later that same night.
When Annisa reached out to detectives seeking answers, she was met with sighs and dismissive responses.
Sheโs never heard from anyone in homicide.
When told โsomeone will be sent out,โ she even offered to come to the station herself โ because she didnโt want to โburdenโ anyone.
๐ No grieving mother should ever be made to feel that way.
The autopsy was ruled โundetermined,โ and toxicology could take a year or more.
No signs of trauma were found.
When Salome was cremated, the funeral home told Annisa her son had $130 cash on him โ and gave her a lock of his hair to keep forever.
Now the family is left with questions โ and silence.
They are navigating a nightmare that no parent should ever face, with little compassion or communication from those meant to help.
These are the stories that matter.
These are the families that deserve to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
๐๏ธ Information and photo courtesy of Kristen Danielle
HTX Media Chief Reporter โ Steevo