Skeletal remains found near Potholes

MARDON - A hunter discovered human remains near a boat launch at the east end of the Potholes Reservoir the day before Thanksgiving.

In an undeveloped area about a mile from the boat launch, the hunter found a decomposed body and clothes in an area of sagebrush and called 9-1-1, according to Grant County Undersheriff Dave Ponozzo.

The remains appeared to have been at the location since spring. Some of the bones appeared to have been scattered by wildlife, he noted.

"The remains were clothed in jeans, a light colored jacket, dark colored stocking cap, and one dark colored tennis shoe," stated Ponozzo. "No identification has been determined. Age, sex, and ethnicity are unknown at this time."

The remains are going to transferred to the King County Medical Examiner's Office for a forensic anthropological autopsy.

Investigators did not find a vehicle near the body, nor equipment for hunting or fishing, Ponozzo said.

"In the state that it is in, it is hard to give any information about how the person died," he said.

Any possible identification, like a wallet in a pocket, would be left on the body until autopsy to preserve evidence.

"We've got missing people in Grant County, but nothing stands out to make a connection," said Ponozzo.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-754-2011 ext. 468, or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.