(LE MARS)–A discovery of what are believed to be human bones near Sioux City is being investigated.
A contractor working at a house two miles north of Sioux City in Plymouth County unearthed the bones while installing water lines Tuesday morning. The bones were first thought to be those of an animal.
Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo issued written information this afternoon that the contractor called law enforcement about 10:15 Tuesday morning when a lower jaw bone was exposed by workers.
Plymouth County Medical Examiner Dr. Sheila Holcomb and pathologist Dr. Thomas Carroll assessed what had been found at the excavation area.
The State Medical Examiner’s office has been involved in excavation of the area where the bones were located. The sheriff stated more work is anticipated in recovering the remains at 32594 Fox Avenue.
According to the sheriff, information about the age, sex, race, cause or manner of death has been not been determined.
The sheriff’s office is being assisted by Sioux City Police, the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth County Conservation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the state Medical Examiner’s office and the Plymouth County Attorney’s office.
