A Birmingham dog that previously brought home a human skull linked to a homicide has now discovered another human bone, identified as a left tibia, or lower leg bone.
The discovery was made on Dec. 12 when the dog's owner contacted authorities after the pet returned with the bone, AL News reported. DNA analysis is underway to determine if the bone belongs to the same person as the skull found in August, Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates confirmed Friday.
The initial investigation began in August when the skull was found near the homeowner's property. Medical examinations revealed the victim was male, and the case was classified as a homicide.
A full DNA profile of the skull was entered into CODIS, the national DNA database, but it has not matched any missing persons or known offenders. Tests are currently being run on the latest bone to determine if it belonged to the same person as the skull.
Despite extensive searches of the area where the bones were discovered, investigators have not located the source of the remains.
"We are working with the owner of the dogs and residents in the neighborhood to better understand the roaming patterns of the dogs in an effort to locate the origin of the remains," Yates said.
Nearby residents have been asked to review surveillance footage and report any unusual activity, including sightings of the dog.
Originally published by Latin Times
