SCSO, GBI investigating discovery of human skeletal remains

STAFF REPORT :::

According to Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, an investigation is underway following the discovery of human skeletal remains.

Investigators of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office responded to a clear-cut area on Wallace Road near the Spalding County Butts County line where they located the remains.

“A person riding a 4-wheeler Sunday afternoon was near a creek in the area when he spotted the bones. Deputies and investigators responded and located a human skull, but due to the strong thunderstorms that came through the area, they were unable to completely process the scene,” Dix said. “The following morning, they returned along with crime scene and archeological investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. During their search of the area, investigators were able to locate additional remains, clothing, and a shoe. No form of identification was found and currently there are no indicators as to the cause of death.”

A press release issued by Dix explained the steps being taken for identification purposes.

“All arrows lead us to believe that the body may have been there for 1-2 years based on its condition. The remains have been transported to the GBI Crime Lab for further examination and determination of race and sex. We have already started gathering information on missing persons from the area so we will have that on hand once race and gender are determined,” Dix said. “Right now, there is not a lot to go on so we will have to wait until we get the preliminary report from the GBI to know where we will go from here as far as dental records, DNA, or other means to identify the person. Once we have a clearer picture of what we are working with we will release more information that hopefully will lead to an identity.”