Investigation Concluded at Implosion Site

December 6, 2007 - Following an investigation into the possibility a person might have been inside a building at 6701 South Main just prior to its implosion on November 11, Houston police homicide investigators have determined there was no evidence of human remains found at the location.

On November 13, an amateur video of the implosion and demolition of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel was turned over to the HPD Homicide Division for its review. The video showed an image, appearing to be a person, running across the eighth floor. The Cherry Demolition Company and its employees were shown the video and immediately stopped work on debris removal to cooperate fully with the HPD homicide investigation.
Company employees painstakingly removed debris while investigators and cadaver dogs searched for any signs of human remains.

Homicide investigators obtained and examined more than 100 photographs taken immediately prior to and during the implosion that clearly revealed no individual was in the building at the time.

Homicide Division Captain S.R. Jett said the entire site has been cleared and no evidence of remains was discovered. At one point, cadaver dogs responded to material believed associated with blood, but it was from an employee’s injury that was extensively documented prior to the demolition. The finding had no resemblance to discovery of a human body.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation for all the cooperation Mr. Leonard Cherry and his employees extended to our investigators throughout this ordeal,” Captain Jett said. “Cherry Demolition employees expended great efforts to satisfy the Houston Police Department and the public that no person was left inside the building.”

JFC/JGA/SRJ 12-6-07
Inc #167483907

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.