Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Human Remains Found in South Forsyth County

A landscaper surveying property off McFarland Road found a human skull Friday afternoon, Dec. 30.

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.

A landscaper and architect from DeKalb County who was surveying an area of land in the vicinity of Bluegrass Valley Parkway and McFarland Road discovered a human skull around 3:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, according to Capt. Tim House with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

"He actually was surveying the area for moss and saw something and he thought it was a bone," said House. "When he kind of nudged it with his foot he realized it was a human skull and went back down the woods and called us."

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Authorities have found other bones since their investigation began Friday.

House said that Sheriff Ted Paxton believes the remains have been out there for a long time, based on the discoloration of the skull.

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"There's no way any of us can even estimate how long the remains have been there," said House.

The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) resumed its investigation Saturday morning, Dec. 31, after suspending operations Friday night due to darkness.

House said CID is in the process of mapping out the area and recording what it discovers and the location of its findings. At least one bone has been categorized by the crime scene supervisor. But the process is expected to take several days to complete. A deputy will remain in position guarding the area.

Once CID is done with its investigation the remains will be turned over to the county coroner, who will then hand it off to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

House said it will take time to determine the identity of the remains or cause of death.


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