HOUSTON, TX – Dr. Matthews criticized what she described as a lack of action related to the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens cancer cluster despite previous promises made by Christian Menefee during his time as Harris County Attorney.

During an interview in northeast Houston, Dr. Matthews spoke with the great-grandson of an elderly Fifth Ward resident currently battling cervical cancer. The family member said multiple relatives, friends, and longtime residents in the area had either died or become seriously ill over the years, including several people he said suffered from cancer or unexplained illnesses.

The resident said he grew up in the Fifth Ward area and referenced former classmates and family members who later developed cancer, including one friend diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma who later died.

Dr. Matthews questioned why residents had not been relocated and referenced a 2022 letter of intent to sue involving Union Pacific contamination concerns while Menefee served as Harris County Attorney. She stated her legal team searched federal court records but could not locate a filed lawsuit tied to the matter.

The family member said community members expected action after public statements were made regarding the cancer cluster and criticized what he described as promises that “never materialized.”

Dr. Matthews repeatedly questioned why residents remained in the area while continuing to face ongoing health concerns tied to the contamination allegations.

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