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Human remains found south of town

A Sunday morning hike in the woods turned grisly for Williams resident Steve Sanders and his son, Thomas. While out hunting for antlers, the twosome came across human remains.

At 11:45 a.m., they called 911 to report finding a dead body in a wooded area southwest of Williams. The Sanders led officers to the area in the Bixler Saddle area, which is on the west side of Bill Williams Mountain, approximately one mile south of Interstate 40 — the site of human skeletal remains.

Part of the find included a skull with a gaping hole on the left side with fractures radiating out from it.

Frank Manson, Williams Police chief, said because of the condition of the remains, the incident is being investigated as a homicide. He said 15 bone fragments, scattered by animals, were gathered during five hours of investigation Sunday, and officers found more fragments when they resumed their investigation Monday.

The search also yielded some gray fabric and a pair of shoes, described as white “Brooks” sneakers with blue trim.

No identification has been made at this time. The remains have been transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office to determine the sex of the victim and cause of death.

Manson estimated the body had been in the woods more than a year.


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