A decomposed body was discovered Friday in a wooded area next to the Wentworth Library in West St. Paul, sparking an active police investigation into the person’s identity and what happened. The remains were found near 199 Wentworth Avenue East, tucked in the trees beside the library building.
Police statement
According to a press release from the West St. Paul Police Department, the body was in an advanced state of decomposition and is believed to be that of a man, with “no obvious signs of trauma” seen at the scene, as reported by Bring Me The News. Officers were called to the area after the remains were discovered, and detectives began canvassing the neighborhood as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have not released any identifying information while they work to confirm who the person was.
Medical examiner review
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office is handling the review of the cause and manner of death and is also assisting with identifying the person. That kind of involvement is standard procedure for unexpected deaths in the metro area. The office conducts forensic examinations and identification for cases in Hennepin, Dakota, and Scott counties, according to public information from Hennepin County.
Where it was found
Investigators say the remains were located in a small wooded patch directly adjacent to the Wentworth Library building at 199 Wentworth Ave. E. The library, a Dakota County branch that serves West St. Paul residents, lists that address and its public hours on its information page, per Dakota County. Police have been focusing their work on the surrounding greenspace as they process the area and follow up on leads, according to reporting by Bring Me The News.
How to help
Anyone who might have information that could help investigators is asked to call the West St. Paul Police Department at 651-552-4200. That number, along with details for reaching records staff or detectives with tips, is listed on the city’s police information page, according to West St. Paul Police.
