Possible Human Remains Found Near I-44 ( Missouri)

Possible Human Remains Found Near I-44
Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009


(Greene County, MO) -- What appears to be human remains found in Greene County have sheriff's deputies searching for clues on Tuesday evening.

The remains were found along I-44 just east of Springfield near mile marker 84.

MoDOT contractors were placing sign posts along the interstate near the Highway 65 interchange.  They went looking for some water for their cement mix and made their way to a pond in a wooded area just off of I-44.  That's where they found a what appeared to be a human skull.

Detectives say it was covered by a tarp in a brushy area a few hundred feet off the interstate.  Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott says there were some other items nearby, but is not disclosing what they are at this time.
    
As of late Tuesday evening, a large crime scene perimeter has been set.  Meantime, the sheriff calls this case suspicious.
 
"It would appear it's been here sometime.  We are labeling this suspicious.  We view things as a homicide and work backwards.  We are approaching it as a homicide.  However, it could be a natural death, or homeless.  We're not sure at this time." says Sheriff Arnott.

The medical examiner was also on the scene Tuesday night.  The sheriff's office expects to have the area where the remains were found taped off through Wednesday.
    
Meanwhile, detectives back at headquarters are looking at missing persons reports, to maybe find a lead.

At this point, there are no other witnesses besides the MoDOT contractors.  Sheriff Arnott says it's a rural area with no homes nearby.[/q]