Department of Transportation spokesperson Sam Dapcevich says that any time human remains are discovered on a worksite, it triggers an investigation.
Dapcevich said Wednesday that they are not disclosing the location to protect the site, but the area had been marked off and work stopped to prevent further disturbance. The first step is determining whether the remains are recent or historic, according to John Kajdan, a DOT project manager. If relatively recent, it could be evidence of a crime. Law enforcement and the medical examiners offices will work to identify the individual and see if there’s a link to a missing persons or even a murder case.
Hart says the tribe has a formal agreement with state agencies and federal highway officials that guide what happens next.