BOX ELDER COUNTY — Law enforcement was called to investigate a possible homicide after unidentified human remains were discovered in a black garbage bag in Brigham City.
The remains were found by a Union Pacific construction crew around the area of 2600 West Highway 13, according to the Brigham City Police Department. The contents were initially believed to be trash, but “hair and bones” were later discovered, police explained.
Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes said, “They’re definitely human remains. It appears that they’ve been here for some time, but I would say sometime less than, at least, a couple years.”
Investigators arrived at the scene just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday and discovered that the bag contained human remains. Police said the bag with the remains was found on the surface and was not buried in the area.
Officials said they collected multiple pieces of evidence and will be processing those. The remains have been transported to the medical examiner’s office.
Reyes explained that it appears the remains had been in the area “at least a few months or longer,” and were “in a state of decomposition” after being discovered.
Brigham City officials have been in contact with Cottonwood Heights police and said the remains are “likely” not Matthew Johnson, but that possibility is not being ruled out.
Officials will be conducting an “analytical search for information regarding any missing persons both at the state and national level.”
Brigham City Police and the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the scene. Officials said Weber Metro CSI and the Utah Statewide Info and Analyst Center were later called to the scene to assist.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the remains are asked to call the Box Elder Communications Center at 435-856-7023.