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Authorities in Colorado are now investigating after human remains were found in the freezer of a recently-sold home. According to PEOPLE, the discovery was reported to police on January 12.
According to a press release published by the Mesa Sheriff’s Department on January 15, authorities were called to the home around 2:30 p.m. The residence is reportedly located on the 2900 block of Pinyon Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado.
The release adds that police were called for a “suspicious incident.”
“Persons at the address cleaning out the recently sold property discovered possible human remains inside the residence,” the press release added.
According to 9News, a neighbor named Sam Troester was able to provide more information to reporters. She explained that the previous owners of the home moved out that morning. Later that day, the new owners arrived at the residence to begin cleaning.
“It turns out that the new owners of the house posted online that they were looking to sell a bunch of the garbage that was left behind, scrap metal, and things that people could repurpose, and there was a deep freezer that was posted up for grabs,” she explained.
However, during the process, the new owners unexpectedly arrived at her home.
“I let them in, and cautiously, I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ And they continued to tell me that they opened the freezer to empty it so they could transport it, and they said a head fell out,” she said. “A human head!”
Authorities ultimately launched an investigation while informing the public that they “believe this is an isolated incident.”
Then, on January 18, the Mesa Sheriff’s Department shared an updated press release. The notice indicated that an autopsy had been performed on the “possible human remains” and confirmed that they were a human head and human hands.
The release noted that “further testing” on the remains will be needed to acquire more information about the victim.
“At this time, we have no other definitive answers until further testing can be completed. These types of tests take a significant amount of time, and again, we ask for patience from the public as this investigation continues,” the release reads.
However, the Mesa Sheriff’s Department maintained that a “thorough and detailed” homicide investigation is its top priority.
“Our hope is to positively identify the victim while remaining respectful of the victim and the victim’s family,” the release concluded.
According to 9News, authorities have not revealed how long the remains were in the home. Furthermore, they are urging anyone with information to contact Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Investigator at 970-244-3266.
This a developing story. Be sure to check back in with The Shade Room for more updates.
