Human remains were discovered Saturday morning near an Indian Health Services facility in Warm Springs, prompting a joint investigation by the Warm Springs Police Department and the FBI.
According to a Warm Springs Police Department news release, officers received a report of possible human remains at approximately 10:53 a.m. near the IHS facility at 1270 Kot-Num Road. Officers and FBI personnel responded to the scene and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area, during which investigators confirmed the discovery.
FBI Leading Scene Processing
The FBI is leading the processing of the scene with assistance from Warm Springs tribal police. Authorities have not released any information about the identity of the individual, the cause or manner of death, or how long the remains may have been at the location.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether the discovery is connected to any existing missing-person investigation.
Public Asked to Stay Away
The Warm Springs Police Department is asking the public to stay away from the area surrounding the IHS facility at 1270 Kot-Num Road while investigators continue their work. The department stated that additional information will be released when it has been confirmed and it is appropriate to do so.
The Warm Springs community has faced a difficult summer. Wildfires earlier in the season burned more than 60,000 acres on reservation lands, destroying at least six homes and straining tribal services throughout the fire months.
This is a developing story. The Madras Bulletin will provide updates as more information is released by authorities.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Warm Springs Police Department.