Medical Examiner Confirms 2 Skulls Found Near Winston Lake
_ WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Winston-Salem
police are investigating a collection of human remains and religious artifacts
that were found in a heavily wooded area near Winston Lake by a man walking in
the area on Wednesday.
Officers found what appeared to be two skulls and items and symbols related to a religious ceremony. Police said there was no indication that an assault or dismemberment had occurred. They said the items appeared to have been at the location for some time and that they were skeletonized before being brought to the area.
Authorities with the Medical Examiner's Office said Thursday that the remains were two human skulls. A preliminary examination of the skulls did not show any signs of trauma, but they have been sent to an anthropologist for further examination.
Items at the scene have been identified as being similar to those used in the religious practice of Palo Mayombe, according to the Medical Examiner's Office and other authorities on religious practices. Police said Palo Mayombe originated in the Congo region and was exported to various regions, including Palo or Palo Monte, where the belief gained popularity among persons of Hispanic descent.
Authorities say that Palo Mayombe practitioners traditionally use artifacts or remains from grave robberies or other sources and not from homicidal actives. Authorities said they have located several sources throughout the nation claiming to sell human skulls.
Police are working with federal agencies to identify the origin of the skulls as well as determining the symbolic meaning of the items and symbols found at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773- 7700 or Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800 or the Spanish line 336-728-3904.
Read more: http://www.wxii12.com/news/30308842/detail.html#ixzz1kfnVcvon
Officers found what appeared to be two skulls and items and symbols related to a religious ceremony. Police said there was no indication that an assault or dismemberment had occurred. They said the items appeared to have been at the location for some time and that they were skeletonized before being brought to the area.
Authorities with the Medical Examiner's Office said Thursday that the remains were two human skulls. A preliminary examination of the skulls did not show any signs of trauma, but they have been sent to an anthropologist for further examination.
Items at the scene have been identified as being similar to those used in the religious practice of Palo Mayombe, according to the Medical Examiner's Office and other authorities on religious practices. Police said Palo Mayombe originated in the Congo region and was exported to various regions, including Palo or Palo Monte, where the belief gained popularity among persons of Hispanic descent.
Authorities say that Palo Mayombe practitioners traditionally use artifacts or remains from grave robberies or other sources and not from homicidal actives. Authorities said they have located several sources throughout the nation claiming to sell human skulls.
Police are working with federal agencies to identify the origin of the skulls as well as determining the symbolic meaning of the items and symbols found at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773- 7700 or Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800 or the Spanish line 336-728-3904.
Read more: http://www.wxii12.com/news/30308842/detail.html#ixzz1kfnVcvon