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Up to twenty human skulls have been found in New Mexico. Police are trying to link them to a series of cold cases
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Up to twenty human skulls have been found in New Mexico. Police are trying to link them to a series of cold cases

New Mexico police are investigating whether 20 human skulls could be linked to missing persons cases in the state.

Officers with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office made the grim discovery Saturday in January, a town of about 2,000 residents bordering Texas. A call from a concerned resident on Nov. 5 led officials to the human remains. The caller said he had a “disturbing encounter” with a man he gave a ride to.

The man, who LCSO named in a statement as Cecil Villanueva, removed what appeared to be human remains outside the vehicle and reportedly made alarming statements. Officers later found human bone fragments near where the man allegedly disposed of the remains.

Officers then went to a home where the man was said to have stayed. There, police found more pieces of bone, including pieces of a skull and jawbone.

The 10 to 20 human skulls were found during a second search of the property. According to KRQE, the remains were transported to the Office of Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for analysis and possible identification.

Officials hope the evidence will give them answers about the disappearance of Angela McManes, 43, who was last seen on May 14, 2019. Her last known residence was near the property under investigation, according to the outlet.

“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes and other possible victims,” LCSO added.

DNA analysis could confirm that some remains belong to McManes and other possible victims. No formal charges have yet been filed in the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crimestoppers at 575-393-8005.