POLICE Department

Investigation into Woman's Death at 4 Riverway Drive


September 8, 2017 - Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a woman found at 4 Riverway Drive about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday (Sept. 7).
 
The victim, believed to be Ella J. Renick, 48, of Houston, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Her cause of death is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
 
HPD Homicide Sergeants M. Brady and M. Casso reported:
 
An employee of the Omni Hotel, located at the above address, discovered a body believed to be that of missing hotel employee Ms. Renick.  Ms. Renick was found in the ceiling of the basement near a set of elevators.
 
On or about August 27, Renick reportedly called a fellow co-worker and advised she was stuck in a service elevator that was filling with flood waters from Hurricane Harvey.  Omni employees immediately began looking for her.  However, due to rising flood waters and loss of power, they were unable to raise the elevator.
 
Since August 27, several attempts were made by the HPD Dive Team and the Houston Fire Department to locate Renick.  Due to the severe flooding, they were unsuccessful.
 
Following her discovery on Thursday, HPD Homicide detectives were sent to the scene to conduct an investigation.  Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
 

KJS/JKS  9-8-17
Inc. #108416717



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