Human Remains Found in Foothills

Karen Scullin ReportingA mystery is now under way in Layton after human remains were brought down from the foothills by a dog.

There was no identification found with the bones, but there was a watch, an empty backpack and a shotgun.

Griz has been on the prowl in the foothills behind his home. His latest find is now the focus of a police investigation: bones---human bones. But at first only bits and pieces turned up.

John Gallegos, Griz's Owner: “Then Monday we noticed they were gnawing on a larger piece of bone. But the bone just didn't look like part of a deer carcass."

Police came out to investigate and then Gallegos spotted something else unusual in his yard.

John Gallegos, Griz's Owner: “Just walked over in this area, and I just happened to look down and there the watch was, just laying there."

The watch convinced police they needed to head up the hillside, but they also needed Griz to help them do a little detective work.

John Gallegos, Griz’s Owner: “So Griz just took off and went up on his own and that's when they discovered the remains."

Bones were scattered on the hillside along with a pair of tennis shoes, a shirt, an empty backpack, a shotgun and several shells. But no identification and nothing that told police if this was an accidental shooting, a suicide or homicide.

Lt. Quinn Moyes, Layton Police Dept.: “The body was so badly decomposed and the animals had gotten into it, that no one would be able to tell if that weapon was used to end the individual's life or not."

Police are sharing case information with law enforcement in Utah and around the nation to see if any leads might surface. Police don't know how long the body has been on the hillside. If you have any information, call the Layton Police Department.

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