LORTON, Va.—Skeletal remains found in Lorton on Monday night will be sent to Richmond for a closer examination.
The medical examiner’s office in Fairfax County worked Tuesday with an anthropologist to try and identify a human skull and skeletal remains found on Furnace Road about 8 p.m. Monday.
The team decided Tuesday to turn the case over to forensic scientists at the state medical examiner’s office in Richmond.
“It will hopefully happen sooner than later, but it could take weeks or months before we hear anything,” said Fairfax police spokeswoman Tawny Wright.
The skull and skeletal remains were found along Furnace Road – a 3.2 mile stretch of two-lane road that connects U.S. 1 and Va. 123 – by a photographer stopping to take a photo of a deer.
While outside of the car, the man spotted what looked like to be a human skull in a weeded area and called police, said Wright.
With little information released on the remains, many longtime residents’ thoughts turned to the 1989 disappearance of 5-year-old Melissa Brannen.
The girl vanished during a December holiday party at the Woodside Apartment complex in Lorton, where she lived with her mother.
A maintenance man at the complex, Prince William County resident Caleb D. Hughes, was eventually charged with and convicted of abducting Melissa, but her body has never been found.
Police said the remains found Monday are probably not those of the little girl.
“While we have no way of confirming it 100 percent, detectives say it is unlikely that these are the remains of Melissa Brannen,” said Wright.
Police asked anyone with information to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.
This story appeared on insidenova.com.
Recent Stories
Stafford County authorities are still looking for a bank robber who simply peddled away.
Yugene Vindman, a Democrat of Lake Ridge, who’s running to replace Abigail Spanberger (D) in Congress, is calling for a review of Virignia’s State Flag, one of the most unique in the world.
A stationary front lingering across central Virginia is expected to gradually shift northward today, transforming into a warm front by early Thursday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.
A Howard University student has died after he was struck last week by a car reportedly driven by a faculty member…Mohamed Samura, of Fredericksburg, 18, was a computer information systems major at the university.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!
Why Choose Us?
Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
