"Nothing But Death" How Christian Menefee Failed The 5th Ward Cancer Cluster

HOUSTON, TX — Dr. Candice Matthews is raising renewed concerns over the ongoing cancer cluster in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, questioning what action, if any, has been taken following public promises previously made by Congressman Christian Menefee during his tenure as Harris County Attorney.

While speaking with residents in northeast Houston, Dr. Matthews interviewed the great-grandson of an elderly Fifth Ward woman currently battling cervical cancer. According to the family member, generations of residents in the area have suffered from severe illnesses, including multiple forms of cancer, with many longtime community members dying over the years.

The resident recalled growing up in Fifth Ward and watching classmates, friends, and relatives later become seriously ill. He specifically referenced one friend who developed renal medullary carcinoma and later died from the disease.

Dr. Matthews questioned why residents have continued living in the affected area despite years of contamination concerns linked to the Union Pacific site. She also referenced a 2022 letter of intent to sue that was announced while Menefee served as Harris County Attorney. According to Dr. Matthews, her legal team searched federal court records but could not locate evidence that a lawsuit tied to the contamination allegations was ever formally filed.

Community members expressed frustration, saying they believed public officials would take meaningful action after repeated announcements and media attention surrounding the cancer cluster. Instead, residents say many families remain in the same neighborhoods while continuing to face serious health concerns.

Dr. Matthews repeatedly questioned why relocation efforts have not occurred and why residents are still being exposed to what many believe are dangerous environmental conditions.

“For these families, it’s been nothing but death,” one resident said during the interview.