Authorities are investigating the discovery of human remains, including parts of skulls, in Jal, New Mexico, that could be linked to a missing persons case from 2019.
The Lea County Sheriff's Office said in a release Tuesday that it was contacted on Nov. 5 by a resident of the city who had an "unsettling encounter" with a man while offering him a ride.
The resident said the man was "carrying two bags, made alarming statements and discarded objects from the vehicle, some of which appeared to be human bones," according to the sheriff's office.
A search of the area, including a convenience store and the man's reported location, turned up bone fragments, the office said. A pathologist later confirmed the bone fragments were human.
The man had been living at a property that sheriff's officials said was "associated with rumors of human remains." Officials found more bone fragments when they searched the property the next day, the sheriff's office said.
On Saturday, another search turned up "evidence of 10–20 human skulls," the office said. Officials clarified Wednesday that they were not 10 to 20 "intact, fully together skulls" but rather pieces of skull bones that may be from an estimated 10 to 20 people, NBC affiliate KOB of Albuquerque reported.
The remains are being analyzed for potential identification.
The sheriff's office said the case is being "closely tied" to the case of Angela McManes, who disappeared in 2019. Officials said McManes' last known residence was "near the property under investigation."
"Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims," the statement said.
Sheriff Corey Helton told KOB, "I know our viewers are concerned, but I can tell you, we don’t have a serial killer walking around."
The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether any charges have been filed. Helton said the man is in jail on an unrelated charge, KOB reported.
According to KOB, the man said someone bought the skulls from an online source. Officials are working with an anthropologist to determine whether that is true, KOB reported.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office.
