Possible Human Remains Found By Patriot Disposal Personnel

Investigators working on the location of possible human remains at a waste disposal site in Prescott Valley now believe that the appendage found was not from a human.

At approximately 1 PM Thursday September 6th officers and detectives from the Prescott Valley Police Department along with CYFD HazMat crews responded to a report of the location of what appeared to be a human foot found in the waste disposal site by workers sorting trash.  Upon initial examination the foot appeared to be a human foot.  Investigators sought out the assistance of a Forensic Pathologist who examined photos of the foot and provided information that further supported the belief that the foot was indeed human.  Because of the hazards involve in this type of a search, CYFD HazMat experts and specialists assisted with the planning and execution of the methodical search. Staff at the waste disposal site were able to assist investigators in narrowing down the area where the remains likely came from. Investigators and search crews began searching that area amongst tons of trash on site.  During the initial stages of that search, additional items were located that further strengthened the belief that investigators were dealing with human remains.  Further on into the search, search team member’s located items wrapped in a bag that were examined thoroughly and determined to likely be remains from a bear.  In examining the paws from the bear investigators determined that they were similar to the foot that was located so Detectives returned to the PVPD evidence area to further examine the foot and compare it to the remains from the bear.  After examination of the foot and further research, detectives believe that the foot was more likely a bear paw, and not human remains.  The search of the disposal site was completed and all evidentiary items will be sent to the lab for examination and positive identification. At this time, the Prescott Valley Police Department detectives have the investigation on hold while awaiting the results from the lab.

On September 6th at approximately 1:00 P.M. Prescott Valley Police Officers were called to Patriot Disposal in the 9400 block of East Valley road for a suspicious incident.  Employees there discovered an item that appeared to be partial human remains while processing waste. 

Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that the partial remains appear to be human. 

Detectives are beginning their investigation and will process the debris where the discovery was made.

The Central Yavapai Fire Department will be assisting with the investigation due to the hazardous nature of the search area.

This will be a long and involved process.  I will provide updates when possible but we are only in the early stages of this investigation and do not have any more we can disclose at this time.