Human Skulls Found in Jal, New Mexico Were Decorative, Authorities Say

JAL, N.M. — Authorities in Lea County have confirmed that seven human skulls, initially linked to a missing persons investigation in Jal, New Mexico, hold no medical or legal significance.

The skulls, retrieved from a property, featured intricate carvings and embedded ornaments and were determined to be decorative items procured online.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday that the skulls were examined by the Office of the Medical Investigator, which concluded they were not connected to any criminal activity. Investigators confirmed that the skulls originated outside the United States.

This discovery initially drew attention due to its potential connection to a missing persons case, but officials have since ruled out any link. The remains are set to be medically cremated.

The investigation into the missing persons case continues, and authorities have not disclosed further details about the property owner or how the skulls were discovered.