Authorities in Cumberland County are investigating after deputies stumbled upon skeletal remains earlier this week. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office told WVLT that the remains were found near Westel Road, close to the entrance of the Mount Roosevelt Wildlife Management Area, on February 8. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was brought into the case and assisted in recovering the remains for further analysis.
An unsettling discovery has prompted an investigative collaboration between the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. After receiving an early morning report at around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, deputies responded to Westel Road, as detailed by a statement from WBIR. Assessing the scene where the remains lazily dangled from their earthly confines, officials collected what was left for further examination.
Sheriff Casey Cox expressed the department's commitment amidst the community's growing concerns. "We understand that this news is unsettling for the community but we are committed to identifying the remains and conducting a thorough investigation into the matter,” Cox stated, according to WATE. The identity of the remains and the circumstances leading up to their discovery remain undisclosed as the investigation continues its early stages.
While working carefully through the evidence, Sheriff Cox reiterated the sentiment of providing closure, as reported by WATE, "We understand that this news is unsettling for the community but we are committed to identifying the remains and conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.” The remains have yet to be identified, leaving local residents hoping this incident can soon be laid to rest.
