Valley PD on human remains found: ‘We’re really not sure what we’re dealing with yet’

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Ala. ( WRBL ) — Crime tape has been up at the end of Mill Street in Valley, Ala., since officers found what appeared to be human remains in the area on the afternoon of Oct. 16.

“One of our officers was approached by a citizen that [said] they had found what they believed to be human remains down here,” said Valley Police Department Chief Mike Reynolds, who was on scene on Thursday morning.

An initial release said the remains included what appeared to be a skull and bones. According to Reynolds, this is a first for the Valley community of about 10,000.

“This the first time we’ve had to deal with a recovery such as this,” Reynolds said. “We’re going to be leaning heavily on the Department of Forensic Sciences to examine the remains to give us some type of clear answer.”

The Department of Forensic Sciences and a forensic anthropologist arrived on scene just outside of what was once a mill complex the morning of Oct. 17.

“We’re really not sure what we’re dealing with yet,” Reynolds said. He hopes further examination of the remains will lead to answers.

“Once we make the recovery, if there’s any clothing, or anything like that, we’ll be able to tell,” Reynolds said. “Right now, we can’t tell if it’s male, female or the possible cause of death.”

The police chief said it is unclear how long it will take to get those answers.

Valley PD is asking anyone with information to contact their department at (334)756-5200. They may also contact the police department if they feel unsafe or notice suspicious activity in the area.

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