JAL, NEW MEXICO — Police linked a shocking discovery in a New Mexico home to Cecil Villanueva after witnesses saw a man discarding bones from a moving vehicle. Authorities found up to 20 human skulls at the home earlier this month.
According to the New York Post, this case opened when Cecil Villanueva, a passenger in a car, alarmingly threw bones out of the window, prompting a significant police investigation.
The inquiry into this unnerving incident began on November 5 after a report about Villanueva’s disturbing actions that day. Acting on this initial information, local police conducted a search at Villanueva's residence in Jal, New Mexico. What they discovered was far from ordinary.
During the operation at the suspect’s house, law enforcement officers found close to 20 skulls along with other bone fragments scattered throughout the premises. Further scrutiny revealed some bones that appeared recently discarded, linked to Villanueva's earlier actions.
Investigators uncovered an unsettling pile of human skulls that could potentially point to a dark hobby. Undersheriff Michael Walker suggests that someone did not acquire these skulls spontaneously. "Investigators believe the skulls could have been purchased online over the course of several years," he reported to local media.
Investigators documented this extensive collection and sent it to Albuquerque for further examination by medical experts specializing in forensics. A pathologist confirmed that the bones were indeed human, identifying parts of a skull and a jawbone among the macabre collection.
As investigators linked the remains to longstanding missing persons cases, the implications of this discovery widened. They notably connected the remains to Angela McManes, a 43-year-old woman who has been missing since May 2019.
Villanueva, meanwhile, faces scrutiny over his potential involvement in the disappearance of McManes and possibly others. Consequently, the sheriff's office is diligently piecing together the connections. "Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims," a spokesperson announced.
Despite the disturbing nature of these findings, authorities have not charged Villanueva with the discovery of the skulls. However, they detained him on unrelated misdemeanor charges as the investigation unfolds.
Amid this complex case, local police and the sheriff's office continue their detailed investigation, carefully combing through evidence that may shed light on Villanueva's activities and the origins of the skulls.
The Jal community has reacted with apprehension and outrage to the macabre findings, prompting increased police presence and community meetings to address public concerns. Consequently, local authorities are working to reassure the public and manage the growing unease.
"The passenger, identified as Cecil Villanueva, made alarming statements," local police noted on the day of the initial report. The details provided by witnesses led to a swift response, highlighting the community’s vigilance and prompt action.
The investigation remains active, with forensic teams in Albuquerque working to match the found remains with reported missing persons. This analysis is expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation, including whether other unidentified victims may be linked to this case.
While the forensic results are pending, the broader community holds its breath for answers, hoping for closure for the families of the missing. Moreover, the interlinking of online purchases and missing persons adds a digital complexity to an already intricate case, underlining the challenges modern law enforcement faces.
