Buena Park Resident Digs Up Native American Burial In Backyard

BUENA PARK, CA— Over the weekend a homeowner in Buena Park discovered human remains while digging in his backyard triggering a police investigation.

"The homeowner was digging a hole in the back yard, discovered what appeared to be human remains several feet deep in the excavation, and notified police," Buena Park police Sgt. Mike Lovchik said.

The bones turned out to be of American Indian descent and had been there for some time, police said Monday. Police determined there was no evidence of a crime and closed the case.

Arrangements were expected to be made with the Native American Heritage Commission to determine what to do with the remains, police said.

The remains were discovered about 5:45 p.m. Sunday in the 8200 block of Commonwealth Avenue, said Lovchik.

The Orange County coroner's office confirmed that the remains were of human origin, Lovchik said. According to the Orange County Register, the remains included bones and teeth.

Buena Park Police Photo