Land surveyors working a field near Oakwood Drive and Townline Road in Mokena made a chilling discovery on Tuesday when they found what appeared to be a human skull, prompting a swift response from the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies searched the property and uncovered additional bones scattered throughout the field, then returned the next morning to launch a more extensive search while securing the scene and collecting evidence.
Scene and discovery
According to FOX 32 Chicago, land surveyors first spotted the skull, and deputies later located other bones in the same field. The sheriff's office began a thorough search of the area around 9 a.m. Wednesday. Officials said the recovered bones will be turned over to the Will County Coroner's Office for processing and comparison with missing-person cases, and investigators remained at the scene as they documented and collected evidence.
How identifications typically proceed
The Will County Coroner's Office has, in recent years, worked with university forensic anthropology programs and private labs to extract DNA and use forensic genetic genealogy when possible, a process that can take weeks or months depending on the condition of the remains, as reported by Shaw Local. Cold-case investigators say bone fragments such as femurs or portions of skulls can yield the strongest DNA samples for that kind of work.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the discovery is asked to call the sheriff's office tip line at (815) 727-8575 or submit anonymous tips through Crimestoppers of Will County, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Authorities have asked residents to steer clear of the immediate area while the search and evidence processing continue.
Officials said they will release more details once the coroner's analysis is complete and next-of-kin notifications, if any, have been made. We will update this report as the Will County Sheriff's Office and coroner provide further information.
