DETROIT (WXYZ) — Human remains were found outside a home on Detroit’s west side Monday afternoon, police said.
Police said they were called to the scene on Woodingham Drive near Outer Drive and Livernois shortly before 1 p.m.
The remains were found by construction workers near the rear of a vacant home they were working at, Detroit Police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes said.
Hear more from Deputy Hayes in the video player below:
While they were working to renovate the home, construction workers noticed damage including peeling to the garage. They then found the remains and called police.
When police arrived to the scene, officers found the remains wrapped and partially buried. Since part of the body was exposed, police on scene were able to determine that the remains are human.
It’s unclear at this time who the remains belong to, but police believe the person was small in stature. The person's age and gender were not immediately determined.
The department’s homicide and missing person’s units are investigating along with the FBI and Michigan State Police.
Police were working to dig up the remains with an excavator, so that they can identify the person and any possible suspects. The incident is being investigated as a criminal case at this time.
“Whether it be through dental records, whether it be through possible DNA, if that’s able to be obtained, overlaying that with missing person records should give us a ruling start to find out who this person is,” Hayes said.
The home has been vacant for months, however, someone owns the property, police said. The homeowner hired the construction workers. It’s unknown at this time if the homeowner has any connection to the remains.
Neighbors say they're heartbroken to learn this happened in their quiet and peaceful community.
“I was pretty surprised, shocked about this event because... last time I’ve ever seen anyone living in the house was like over a year ago,” Deena Murray said. “I really hope they get closure, whoever it is, I hope they get answers, if it was family or a friend."
7 News Detroit will provide more information as we learn more.
**Editor's note: Incorrect cross streets were previously in this story. The story has been updated and we regret the error.
