ICYMI: Grisly Discovery! Police Uncover up to 20 Human Skulls in New Mexico Home
A routine ride turns into a chilling investigation as human skulls are found in a New Mexico home—what’s the connection to a missing woman? 🌐 #News #LeaCountyNM #NewMexico #Crime
LEA COUNTY, NM – A routine interaction turned into a nightmare when a resident in Jal, New Mexico, made a troubling discovery after offering a man a ride. The man, later identified as Cecil Villanueva, reportedly tossed items from his vehicle during the ride—items that later turned out to be human bones. This unsettling incident led police to execute a search of his home, where they uncovered the remains of up to 20 human skulls.
The Investigation Begins with an Unsettling Encounter
It all started on November 5, when a local resident noticed something unusual during a brief ride with Villanueva. According to the resident, Villanueva made disturbing statements and discarded items from his vehicle, some of which appeared to be bones.
Concerned, the resident contacted the authorities. A subsequent investigation in the area near a convenience store uncovered human bone fragments, which were later confirmed by a pathologist to be human remains.
The discovery prompted police to move forward with a search warrant for Villanueva’s home. The following day, authorities found even more bone fragments, including pieces of a skull and jawbone.
The Grim Discovery at Villanueva’s Home
The situation escalated when, three days later, a second search of the residence revealed an even more chilling find: between 10 to 20 human skulls. These skulls were carefully collected and transported to the Medical Investigator’s Office in Albuquerque for identification.
Though Villanueva has not been formally charged with any crimes related to the remains, police have linked the discovery to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, a 43-year-old woman who was last seen in the area. The connection is not yet confirmed, but the proximity of her last known address to Villanueva’s home has raised further suspicion.
Unanswered Questions and Potential Connections
As the investigation continues, authorities are delving deeper into the case, working to uncover any links between the discovered remains and other missing persons cases. There are growing concerns about whether the skulls were part of a broader illegal trade, as investigators have raised the possibility that Villanueva may have purchased the skulls online over several years.
While Villanueva remains in custody for a separate misdemeanor charge, the mystery surrounding the bones has left the community on edge. Investigators are committed to determining if there were other victims and if foul play was involved in any of these cases.
Authorities continue to gather evidence in what promises to be a complex and chilling investigation. As they work to piece together the full story, residents in Jal are anxiously awaiting further updates on this disturbing case.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | New Mexico
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