New Mexico police are investigating the discovery of up to 20 human skulls found in discarded bags inside a house, with indications that one may be linked to a missing person case from five years ago.
The Lea County Sheriff’s Office said in a release Tuesday that they received a report on Nov. 5 from a resident in the city who had an “unsettling encounter” with a man called Cecil Villanueva.
The resident offered Villanueva a ride and noted that he was carrying two bags. During the ride, Villanueva allegedly made alarming statements and discarded objects from the vehicle, which the resident claimed “appeared to be human bones.”
When police searched the area where Villanueva allegedly discarded the bags, they found bone fragments that a pathologist later confirmed as human, according to the sheriff’s office.
Villanueva had reportedly been staying at a property on South 4th Street, a location tied to “rumors of human remains,” the sheriff’s office said.
On Nov. 6, investigators executed a search warrant at the site, uncovering additional bone fragments, including “portions of a jaw and skull.”
Three days later, a forensic anthropologist and a team of investigators conducted an extensive search of the property, uncovering “evidence of 10 to 20 human skulls.”
The remains have been sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for detailed analysis and possible identification.
This case has sparked grief and horror among locals. One Facebook user wrote, “This is the kind of stuff you see on TV and pray it never makes it’s way close to your front door. [sic]”
Another one said, “I was instructed that if I had other questions I could call & speak to the lead investigator after 8 am their time zone but as for now he is in custody’s & that’s good enough for me. I’ll let law enforcement do the rest!”
Authorities believe the case may be closely linked to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property under investigation.
“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” the sheriff’s office said.
Law enforcement has released few details about their findings so far and has not confirmed whether Villanueva has been arrested in connection to the case.
This is an active investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crimestoppers at 575-393-8005.