Skulls, bones found in desert south of Boise

BOISE – Two skulls and assorted bones discovered on Halloween night in the desert south of Boise appear to be discarded medical or anthropological teaching tools, Ada County authorities said Monday.

Undersheriff Gary Raney said two photographers were taking pictures near Initial Point, about 20 miles south of Swan Falls, when they noticed bones in the ground. They called for help – but because of darkness, the scene was closed down and guarded overnight.

On Monday, Dr. Glen Grobin of the Ada County Coroner’s Office along with an anthropologist from Boise State University went with investigators to the site.

“We started peeling back the layers of rock. What we found were two obviously human skulls and human skeletal bones along with moccasin slipper, but one that had been commercially stitched,” Raney said. There was also a red plastic “hotel” from a Monopoly board game.

“As we were collecting everything, the anthropologist said it looked like two teenagers. Then we saw this writing.”

On one skull, the word “frontal” was clearly written in faded red ink, Raney said. The teeth were also glued in place. And the bones were not arranged in any order, as if the bodies had been laid out and buried.

“Logic says to me, and this is just speculation, but maybe these were on somebody’s bookshelf. And that somebody knew it was illegal to possess human remains,” so they simply wanted to dispose of the material, Raney said.

Investigators believe the skulls and bones have been in the desert for months or perhaps years. Where they were exposed, the bones show clear signs of bleaching and weathering.

Raney said he is asking whoever discarded the material to call his office. He said he does not plan to pursue any charges, but would like to resolve the mystery.

“Just when you think you’ve seen it all. …” Raney said.