The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a case of found human remains which were located in a concrete paved drainage ditch behind 299 Wadsworth Place, located in the Metro Division. The Medical Examiner’s Office has made the preliminary determination that the skull is most likely that of an adult African-American male. There does not appear to be any trauma to the skull. As of this time no additional remains have been located.
Early this morning, CMPD Officers responded to a call for service in reference to a human skull found by an employee of Blythe Development, a contractor working for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Storm Water Services. The crew was working to clear an overgrown drainage tributary which runs to Little Sugar Creek. The contract employee was clearing the drainage ditch with a Bobcat under the supervision of a drainage specialist with Storm Water Services when a human skull was found.
The workers stopped clearing the ditch immediately, shut down the machinery and called 911 to report the find. Metro Division officers taped off the scene and notified the Homicide Unit. At this initial stage of the investigation, a more detailed search of the area has not yet taken place; however, the Civil Emergency Unit has been mobilized to assist in a search of the area. Homicide Unit Detectives will work closely with the Missing Person Unit to determine whether or not the remains found today may be related to any open missing persons case. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner responded to the scene as well. The ME office will determine the cause of death and whether or not foul play is suspected. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to collect physical evidence and photograph the scene.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
