ICYMI: Human Skull, Bones Found Near Dacula

DACULA, GA -- A human skull and other bones were discovered near Dacula on Tuesday.

A deer hunter in the Auburn area, on the Gwinnett-Barrow county line, found the skull at about 3 p.m., according to Gwinnett County Police.

Police officers and staff from the medical examiner's office confirmed that the skull was human and, nearby, found other bones.

Many bones, however, were missing, police said.

The identity of the remains were unknown as of Wednesday afternoon.

Because of diminishing daylight, the scene was secured overnight. A renewed search began Wednesday around 9:30 a.m.

The search was assisted by recruits assigned to the 95th Police Academy. Their objective was to find additional bones, property or other evidence.

The search is in the area of Bailey Road and Union Grove Circle in unincorporated Auburn. The skull and bones were found about 200-300 yards from the roadway, police said.

Police said Wednesday morning they didn't yet know whether the scene was criminal, but that members of the county's homicide unit would investigate it as a crime unless the evidence leads elsewhere.

They will be reviewing missing person cases in Gwinnett County and elsewhere as the investigation continues.

(Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department)