JAL, N.M. (WJW) – At least 10 human skulls were found at a New Mexico home this month, with one possibly linked to a woman who has been missing since 2019.
According to a press release posted to the Lea County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, a report on November 5 alerted the sheriff’s officer of a Jal resident who had an “unsettling encounter” with Cecil Villanueva while offering him a ride.
Troopers were told that Villanueva was carrying two bags and made “alarming” statements while discarding objects from the vehicle. According to the report, some of those objects appeared to be human bones, the release said.
According to the release, bone fragments were found near a convenience store and Villanueva’s reported location. A pathologist later confirmed that the bones were human.
According to the release, Villanueva was staying at a home on South 4th Street, which is “associated with rumors of human remains.”
Investigators searched the area on Nov. 6, when additional bone fragments were found, including portions of a skull and jawbone.
A comprehensive search was later done by a forensic anthropologist and a team of investigators on Nov. 9, in which 10-20 human skulls were discovered, the release said.
According to the release, remains found during the search are being “closely tied” to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes. Her last known home was near the property that is currently under investigation.
“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” the release said.
The human remains were taken to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for analysis and identification.
This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611.
