COLUMBUS, Ind. — The remains of an unidentified human body were removed Thursday from an overgrown area near Interstate 65 and U.S. 31.
A team of forensic anthropologists collected the remains and turned them over to the Bartholomew County coroner’s office, authorities said.
The body, which was described as badly decomposed, was discovered Wednesday by a contractor mowing through the area of overgrown weeds and brush.
The person’s identity remains a mystery and could remain so for weeks if DNA or other testing is necessary.
Authorities have not determined how the remains arrived in the area or whether foul play was involved.
The site of the remains was about 100 yards off the interstate and not easily accessible, officials said.
The Bartholomew County Death Investigation Team, which includes the coroner, prosecutor, sheriff’s department, Columbus Police Department and Indiana State Police, is conducting the investigation.