Sheriff's Department Requests Assistance in Identification of Skeletal Remains
Published Wednesday, January 7, 2009 12:01 AM
For Immediate Release:
The analyses of skeletal remains found in the Feather River Bottoms area on October 24, 2008 have been completed. The analysis was conducted by Dr. Turhon A. Murad from the California State University at Chico, Human Identification Laboratory (CSUS-HIL). Some of the facts regarding the identification of the skeletal remains gleaned from the examination include that the remains are most likely those of a Caucasian male adult, 55 years of age or older, 5' 10 plus or minus 2 inches. The remains had most likely been at their discovery site from one to two years. This person had poor dental health with all of his upper teeth missing and his lower molars missing ante mortem for some time. There is some dental work present that could ultimately be useful in determining identification. It was observed that the subject suffered from arthritis in one his shoulders. It is also possible that the subject either rode horses or large motorcycles for a considerable period of time in his life. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined and further analysis and investigation will be conducted.
Contact Information and Telephone Number:
Captain Jeff Pierce
(530) 822-7307
Skeletal Remains Found
Published Friday, October 24, 2008 4:00 PM
For Immediate Release:
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating the discovery of skeletal remains. The remains, including a skull, were spread over an area of about 200 square yards in a "jungly" area east of the river. The area is inside the river levee, about one-quarter mile southwest of Myrna Avenue on the east side of the river.
The skeletal remains were discovered by two hunters in the area and originally reported to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department around 7:19 hours on Thursday, October 23, 2008. It was dark by the time investigators reached the area so they sealed it off for the night and returned about noon on Friday. Suspecting they were not in Yuba County, investigators used GPS equipment and determined about 1 p.m. that the bones were in the jurisdiction of the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department.
Although the age of the bones is not yet known, there is some indication they are not Native American. The Chico State University archaeologists are on scene assisting the investigators. Foul play is not suspected but has not been ruled out. The bones could be those of a homeless person or a drowning victim. Investigators are processing the site to determine the length of time that the remains have been there, the identity, and the cause of death.
The investigation is on going and there is no additional information at this time.
Contact Person and Telephone Number:
Brenda Baker
Press Information Officer
(530) 822-7312
Captain Jeff Pierce
Investigations
(530) 822-7313
