MARSHALL COUNTY, Iowa — The mystery surrounding partial human remains found last month in the Iowa River has deepened, but the find is attracting more attention from archaeologists than law enforcement.
According to KCCI, Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist determined that the human jawbone, discovered Aug. 10 by county conservation staff conducting a biological and wildlife survey, belonged to a prehistoric Native American of middle to older age.
Deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene upon the initial discovery of the male jawbone, launching a formal investigation, KCRG-TV reported.
According to KCCI, more research will be conducted to determine what tribe had a camp on the north side of the river.
Meanwhile, investigators’ more detailed search of the area revealed three additional potential human bones, but the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office determined only the jawbone discovered was human, KCRG reported.
According to KCCI, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office characterized the jawbone’s condition as “remarkable,” noting no indication of trauma despite its advanced age.
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