Skeletal remains found near Van Bibber Lake

VAN BIBBER LAKE -- The discovery of what appears to be human skeletal remains in the Van Bibber Lake area northwestern of Greencastle is under investigation by Indiana State Police criminal investigation detectives and crime scene investigators from the Putnamville Post, along with the Putnam County Coroner's Office.

Investigators (from left) Indiana State Police Det. Mike Taylor, ISP Det. Don Curtis, ISP CSI Sgt. Jim Cody, and ISP Det. Sgt. Sam Stearley, viewing the scene. State Police photo

The remains were found by a mushroom hunter about 12:45 p.m. Thursday.

Putnam County Coroner Dave Brown has confirmed that the remains are, in fact, "human remains and not animal bones," he told the Banner Graphic Thursday evening.

Investigators will spend the next few weeks working alongside the Putnam County Coroner's Office to identify the remains through scientific means, Indiana State Police officials said.

At this time, authorities declined to speculate on the age, sex or otherwise.

"We have a lot more investigating to do," the coroner said, indicating it would be the first of the week before much more information is available.

However, State Police detectives are investigating the possibility the discovery may be related to an unidentified person from the area being reported missing to the ISP Putnamville Post on Nov. 15, 2016. Investigators also believe there is no danger to the public.

The investigation is ongoing and no other information will be released. Law enforcement requests patience as this investigation progresses. When additional details develop, they will be released.

The lead investigator is ISP Det. Don Curtis. Assisting were ISP detectives 1st Sgt. Jason Fajt, Sgt. Sam Stearley and Det. Mike Taylor, ISP Crime Scene Investigator Sgt. Jim Cody, Putnam County Sheriff's Office and Putnam Coroner Brown.