On March 12, 2017, at approximately 10 AM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to an area off Highway 93 outside of Bagdad, Arizona, to meet with a rancher who reported finding a human skull. The rancher eventually found other bones nearby and once deputies confirmed the remains were human, YCSO detectives and evidence technicians were assigned to investigate and collect evidence.
During a search of the area surrounding the remains, deputies located a campsite under a tree and found clothing, a backpack and personal hygiene items likely connected to the human remains. Some of the property had been spread around and was only visible after cutting away sections of brush. Additionally, it appears animals had disturbed the site.
The items collected are being examined and are expected to aid in the identification. The remains were released to the custody of the Yavapai County Medical Examiner for analysis and identification in light of evidence recovered from the scene.