University of Texas: Missing brains were destroyed

HOUSTON – School officials say dozens of human brains reported missing from a University of Texas research lab in Austin were actually destroyed about 12 years ago because they were in poor condition.

The university released a statement Wednesday saying environmental workers disposed of between 40 and 60 jars, some of which contained multiple brains, after faculty members said the specimens weren't suitable for research or teaching purposes.

The university says it came to the conclusion after a preliminary investigation. It also says there's no evidence to support claims that one of the missing preserved brains belonged to Charles Whitman, who fatally shot 16 people from the university's clock tower in 1966.

The Austin State Hospital transferred the jars to the university about 28 years ago.