Skeletal remains found SE of Redmond

The evidence search continued Saturday in a field southeast of Redmond where a resident discovered the skeletal remains of an adult Friday afternoon off Highway 126, police told NewsChannel 21.

The remains were removed Friday before the latest storm moved in and will be taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, in an effort to determine the identity and cause of death, said Sgt. Brad McMurrian.

The remains were found by a Redmond resident walking on Deschutes County-owned property about 500 feet east of the Redmond Rod and Gun Club, and across the highway from Redmond Municipal Airport, Lt. Keith Knight said.

McMurrian said some clothing was found near the remains, but they still aren’t sure if it was a man or woman.

“Because they are skeletal remains, they are dissipated throughout the area,” McMurrian said. “So we’re making sure we cover the entire area, to make sure we get anything that may be out there, as far as evidence or other remains.”

Authorities believe the remains have been there for some time, and were found in an area where people don’t normally go, Knight said.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers combed the area for evidence, as did cadaver dogs, McMurran said. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab was called in to assist as well.

Cadaver dogs were brought to the scene Saturday as SAR volunteers continued to grid-search the area for any evidence.

McMurrian said they believe the remains may be connected to a missing person case they’ve been investigating for a few years. However, they don’t know if foul play was involved.

NewsChannel 21’s Femi Abebefe is visiting the scene Saturday, and we’ll have more details as available, on KTVZ.COM and NewsChannel 21.