Bones unearthed at construction site

Workers at a Cape Region construction site uncovered what appeared to be three sets of human remains Aug. 13.

The owner of the property was out of town when the bones were found. He said the medical examiner called to the scene found the remains were not current and that the site is not a crime scene.

The medical examiner was not available for comment, but the owner of the property said he was told foul play is not suspected. As a result, he said, state protocol requires that an archaeologist be called to the scene to further examine the site and the remains to try to ascertain their origin.

The property owner, who wished to remain anonymous to protect the site, said the archaeologist has studied the scene. He took away the bones and will analyze them, the owner said.  A report on the archaeologist's findings is expected later this week.

The property owner said officials are worried that people will want to try to find bones at the site. He warned that it is a crime for anyone to disturb the site or remove material. Displaying photos showing family remains is a crime, he said.

The property owner asks that the public show respect for the people whose remains were uncovered and refrain from approaching the site.