Police said the individual gave Villanueva, who was carrying two bags, a ride, during which Villanueva allegedly made “alarming statements and threw items” that appeared to be bone fragments from the vehicle.

Police later searched the area of ​​a supermarket and Villanueva’s alleged location and found the objects, which a pathologist confirmed were pieces of human bone.

A search of Villanueva’s property on South 4th Street on Nov. 6 revealed additional bone fragments, including parts of a skull and jawbone. An extensive search conducted Saturday revealed evidence of between 10 and 20 human skulls, according to the Lea County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said the discovery of the bones is “closely connected” to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property where the bones were found — a location that the Lea County Sheriff’s Office said County’ was associated with rumors of human remains.”

“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes and other possible victims,” the sheriff’s office said.

According to The Charley Project’s cold case database, McManes was 43 years old and in poor health when she disappeared.

She was last seen on May 14, 2019 and was not reported missing for a month as she was known to be traveling for weeks.

“She left behind her diabetes medication, cigarettes, wallet and phone,” Jal police said in a June 2019 statement asking for the public’s help in finding her.

“Her glasses are currently broken and without them she is blind. Last seen wearing pink sweatpants and a gray shirt at 633 S 41th.”

Villanueva’s status was not provided by the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, which said the investigation is ongoing.

Jal is a town with about 2,000 inhabitants.