INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Investigators returned to the Little Blue River Trace Trail Wednesday morning with canines to search the area where human skeletal remains were discovered.
Police said a kayaker found a skeletal right hand and part of an arm Monday evening. Investigators said it appeared to have been in the water for an extended amount of time.
On Wednesday, investigators continued their investigation, searching for more evidence along the Little Blue River near R.D. Mize and Necessary roads in Independence. Police said some of the brush is so thick searchers may need to be dropped in by helicopter.
As investigators continue to search, police are also waiting on DNA testing to determine the sex and possibly the identity of the remains.
“Hopefully there will be some DNA that’s available,” said Sheriff Mike Sharp. “And we’ll be able to get a DNA profile of these remains, and then if we have any DNA profiles for the relatives of missing persons, then we will be able to connect the two dots that way.”
Police encourage anyone with a missing family member to contact them. Police added that if DNA testing reveals enough DNA, they can cross check it with the family of a missing individual to determine the identity of the skeletal remains.
