UPDATE — 5:17 p.m., the Walla Walla Police Department has confirmed the discovery of additional remains near Pioneer Park. The area of the investigation remains closed, and residents have been asked to avoid the area.
At roughly 3:00 p.m. yesterday, Dec. 8, the Walla Walla Police Department was called and informed of possible human remains found near Pioneer Park. Police responded shortly after and began their investigation at the site.
The Walla Walla Police Department has said that the report originated from a Facebook post “depicting what appeared to be a femur bone in the dirt,” in their press release on Facebook.
According to Walla Walla Police Department’s press release, the remains were found as a result of excavation work being conducted for a street improvement project on Whitman Street, specifically taking place between Fern Avenue and Division Street. They were located just beneath the surface on the Pioneer Park side of the project.
The Walla Walla Police Department has confirmed that the bones found are indeed human remains.
Based on the press release, the remains found seem to be multiple human bones. No specifics have been given, with the press release referring to the remains as plainly “the bones.” However, the Walla Walla Police Department has clarified that the bones found are not recent. Work is now being conducted to decide whether “this is the site of a crime or a historical burial.”
Photos taken at the scene by the Union Bulletin appear to show multiple bones including the femur, with orange cones marking the locations of different bones.
Multiple different agencies have been notified, including the Washington State Forensic Anthropologist and the Washington State Crime Lab. However, not all agencies notified are “actively assisting” with the investigation at this stage.
Walla Walla Police Department has recommended that the public avoid the site of the investigation and allow those involved to continue conducting their work “without disruption.” They have stated that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This story is breaking and will be continuously updated.
