(Press Release) The Tulare County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide. On Monday afternoon Caltrans crews were working in the center divide of Highway 99 near Avenue 368 when the bones were found.
A forensic pathologist with the Department of Justice Forensic Lab in Fresno is conducting an investigation on the bones. It turns out part of the skull had an apparent gunshot wound. The Sheriff's Office has not been able to determine the sex or age of the victim. But they have other tools at their disposal.
"Since we have dental we're going to be comparing that against any known missings in our area. We have also asked the Department of Justice Fresno Regional Lab for assistance with DNA extraction," said Tulare County Sheriff's Office Lt. Keith Douglass.
Investigators are continuing to cross check this information with known area missing person cases. Deputies sat the bones have been there for about three years.
The Coroner's Office confirmed on Tuesday that the bones were human. The bone remains found were identified to be parts of a skull, vertebrae, partial upper jaw, lower jaw, femur and ribs.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218. Anonymous tips can be given by phone; (559) 725-4194, email; tcso@tipnow.com, or text; “tipnow”
TXT 24
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