A local man discovered over 300 piles of cremated human remains in the Las Vegas Desert. According to KLAS, he stumbled across the makeshift burial ground in Searchlight, Nevada, in July.
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The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has since confirmed that the remains are of human origin. And, while those remains are not thought to be of nefarious origin, it is believed that the ashes have been disposed of by a local funeral home. However, investigations are still underway to determine the true origin of the remains.
When speaking with KLAS, Celena DiLullo, president of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries, advised that the 300+ remains would now be moved to a cemetery crypt.
"I think it's important to us to make sure that these people are not forgotten and not left," DiLullo told KLAS. "It's important to our community and our profession that we demonstrate how much we care about these people."
It Isn't Illegal for Individuals To Spread Ashes in the Las Vegas Desert
Under Nevada law, it isn't illegal for individuals to scatter the ashes of a loved one in the desert. However, there are rules in place regarding businesses using federal land to dispose of remains on a large scale.
"Nevada law does not ban individuals from scattering ashes on public land, but federal regulations forbid businesses from dumping cremated remains on federal land on a commercial scale," MetroUK reported.
The discovery has now raised questions regarding the deceased and whether their wishes were adhered to.
"I don't know if it was the wishes of these people to be out, so that's kind of what goes through my mind," DiLullo said.
Of course, the first step will be in identifying the source of the remains, which includes ruling out any foul play.
It Will Be Difficult for Authorities To Identify the Remains
Due to the nature of the cremated remains, often referred to as "cremains," authorities may find it impossible to identify the individuals dumped at the site. The Standard reported that, "no traceable information could be salvaged."
Unfortunately, the discovery means that many families will be without closure or the opportunity to provide a proper memorial for their loved ones.
The investigation continues, with authorities undoubtedly hoping to identify those responsible.
