DETROIT – The investigation into the human remains found buried in the yard of a vacant rental home on Detroit’s west side continues.
The shocking discovery was made Monday at a home on the corner of Woodingham and St. Martins.
Neighbors say investigators remained on the scene into the early morning hours, but they declined to comment further on the investigation on Tuesday (Jan. 7).
“It hurts knowing that it may be a kid,” said Nadia Morris, who lives across the street from where the discovery was made.
According to police, construction workers hired by the property owner to fix up the rental property made the discovery.
Local 4 spoke with one of those workers over the phone briefly. Despite what he had seen with his own eyes, he was still in a state of disbelief.
Local 4 Crime & Safety Expert Darnell Blackburn describes the tough job ahead.
“It’s a needle in a haystack when you’re trying to locate or connect and identification with a body; it’s always a tough thing to do, but when you’re starting with potentially an infant or child, it becomes a lot more difficult.”
A resident of the neighborhood told us that police on the scene told her the remains, which were buried in a shallow grave, belonged to a child.
“It’s going to start with the beginning of knocking on doors, contacting neighbors, start with the homeowner first, and work your way-out. It’s a meticulous process that’s going to take some time,” said Blackburn.
Previous coverage can be found below
Watch the full press conference below:
Detroit police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes gives update on human remains: