A significant investigation has been initiated after the discovery of over 300 sets of human remains in a remote area near Seachlight, approximately 50 miles away from Las Vegas in the Nevada desert.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has confirmed the ongoing investigation following the finding on July 28. Officials are now in the process of removing the more than 300 sets of remains.
A team from Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries was observed on Wednesday, transferring around 315 sets of ashes into individual urns.
Initially, approximately 70 sets of ashes were discovered on a dirt road, with photos depicting the ashy masses grouped together against a backdrop of cacti and rugged hills.
The BLM, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, is actively investigating the discovery. An update from the BLM stated that no identifiable information could be retrieved from the cremated remains.
Authorities suspect that a funeral home might have disposed of the ashes, although specific businesses under scrutiny have not been disclosed. While Nevada law does not prohibit individuals from scattering cremated remains on public land, it is illegal for commercial funeral homes to engage in mass dumping.
Celena DiLullo, the president of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries, expressed sentiments of regret regarding the situation. Although no information was available to identify individuals or a crematorium, zip ties commonly used in crematories and broken urn fragments were recovered from the scene.
Ms. DiLullo emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering these individuals, stating that it is crucial for the community and the profession to show care for these persons.
All 315 remains will be interred in a crypt at one of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries’ cemeteries for easy access by loved ones, as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.
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