NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Glenn County Sheriff's Office is investigating the Thursday discovery of human remains that appear to be those of a child.
The agency said that just before 10:30 a.m. Thursday the Artois Volunteer Fire Department was extinguishing a grass fire in the area of County Road D south of County Road 33 when firefighters noticed what appeared to be possible burned human remains in the fire area.
They immediately notified the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, which sent personnel who secured the scene and began an investigation with the assistance of crime scene specialists from the California Department of Justice and forensic pathologist Dr. Thomas Resk.
Glenn County Sheriff’s personnel were able to confirm the remains of one human body found in the burnt area, with the agency reporting that the body had been damaged in the fire.
At that point, they couldn't tell how long the body may have been in the area, but officials said the proximity to the road suggested it may have been recent.
An initial autopsy of the remains was conducted Friday morning, the agency reported.
Officials said the autopsy revealed the body was a juvenile female estimated to be between 5 and 10 years of age. The body has been turned over to the Chico State Human Identification Laboratory for further investigation.
The early indications are that this is a homicide; however, the identity of the victim and the cause of death still have not been determined, officials said. DNA has been collected and submitted to help identify the victim.
Although this victim was found burned, there appears to be no connection or similarities to any other burned body found in Glenn County, sheriff's officials said.
Anyone who may have any information, or who may have seen any unusual activity or parked vehicles in the area of County Road D between County Roads 33 and 35 is asked to contact Det. Kelly Knight at the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, 530-934-6431 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
REGIONAL: Authorities investigate discovery of child's remains
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