By Democrat staff Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:28 AM CST
The Van Buren County sheriff’s office and the Arkansas State Police are investigating the findings of what appear to be human remains.
The remains were found recently in a remote area near Peyton Creek in northern Van Buren County. Workers cleaning up debris left from last winter’s ice storm made the discovery.
The sheriff was notified of the findings by the property owner, according to a report from the sheriff’s office.
Investigators have consulted a forensic anthropologist who has preliminarily identified the remains as human. The anthropologist needs more evidence before making any other determinations, the report said.
Sheriff Scott Bradley told the Quorum Court last week that remains had been found, but it is not known if the subject is male or female, or who it might be.
“We don’t have anybody missing in Van Buren County that I am aware of,” Bradley said. He said there is not much information at this point.
Investigators have spent the past week in the area working the scene with the assistance of the FBI Evidence Response Team.
The Washington County Search and Recovery K9 team also assisted with searching the area. Investigators will continue working in the area until the scene is thoroughly searched and a determination can be made, the report said.
