New Orleans police are investigating after a duffle bag holding skeletal remains was pulled from a sewer near the Gentilly neighborhood on Tuesday. Officers responded to a call for service at about 12:33 p.m. near the intersection of Annette Street and Benefit Street, where crews worked the scene as investigators coordinated with the coroner’s office.
Police turn grim sewer find over to coroner
According to WGNO, NOPD detectives recovered a duffle bag containing human skeletal remains from the sewer near Gentilly and directed media inquiries to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office. In a statement to WGNO, the coroner said the case "is still under investigation" and did not provide additional information.
Coroner to determine identity and cause
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is responsible for identifying remains and determining the cause and manner of death, the office’s website explains (Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office). Any autopsy findings or official identifications are typically released by the coroner once examinations are complete and next of kin have been notified, according to the office.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the discovery can call the NOPD non-emergency line at 504-821-2222, as listed by the Orleans Parish Communications District (Orleans Parish Communications District), or reach Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 (Crime Stoppers GNO). Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website.
Officials have not released the identity of the remains or a cause of death, and investigators have not announced any suspects. Hoodline will monitor the case and update this story if the coroner or police provide more information.
