South St. Louis, Missouri —
What began as a response to a reported building collapse turned into a disturbing discovery Thursday when St. Louis police found human remains inside a condemned home in the 3200 block of Indiana Avenue.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers and first responders were called to the property at approximately 10 a.m. after receiving a report that part of the structure had collapsed.
While searching the building, officers discovered what police described as “obviously old” human remains.
Police believe the remains may belong to a relative
A 55-year-old woman was living inside the home when officers arrived.
Police said they believe the remains may belong to one of her relatives, but that has not been officially confirmed.
The St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the remains at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Investigators said determining the identity and cause of death could take several weeks.
A second person was also found living inside.
While officers were investigating, a 72-year-old man arrived at the property and told police he had been living there for several years.
Police determined that the structure had been condemned and arrested the man for occupying the condemned property.
The 55-year-old woman was not reported to have been injured when the wall collapsed, but she was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased person, and there has been no determination of the cause or manner of death.
The discovery remains under investigation by St. Louis police and the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The City Medical Examiner handles deaths involving unusual, suspicious or unexplained circumstances and can conduct additional forensic examination when necessary.
