Authorities in New Mexico are investigating whether the discovery of human remains, including up to 20 human skulls, in a home could be tied to a woman’s disappearance in 2019.

According to the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, 10-20 human skulls were found in a home in Jal after a resident reported having an “unsettling encounter” with a man while offering him a ride on Nov. 5.

The resident told police the man was “carrying two bags, made alarming statements and discarded objects from the vehicle, some of which appeared to be human bones.”

When investigators later inspected the area where the man was last located, they found bone fragments, portions of a skull and a jawbone, Telemundo New Mexico reported.

Officials then located the home where the man had been living and found more bone fragments and “10-20 human skulls” after searching the property the following day, the sheriff’s office said.

When questioned, the man told authorities someone purchased the skulls from an online source. The bone fragments are now being analyzed for potential identification.

While the man has not yet been charged with a crime, the sheriff’s office said the case could be tied to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property searched.

“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.

“I know our viewers are concerned, but I can tell you, we don’t have a serial killer walking around,” the town’s sheriff, Corey Helton, told NBC affiliate KOB-TV.

New Mexico police are working to determine if 20 human skulls could be tied to missing persons cases in the state.

Deputies with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office made the grim discovery on Saturday in Jan, a city of about 2,000 that borders Texas. A call from a concerned resident on November 5 led officials to the human remains. The caller said he had an “unsettling encounter” with a man he was giving a ride to.

The man, who was named by LCSO in a statement as Cecil Villanueva, disposed of what appeared to be human remains outside the vehicle and allegedly made alarming statements. Deputies later found human bone fragments near where the man was said to have disposed of the remains.

Deputies then went to a residence where the man was said to have been staying. There, police found additional pieces of bone that included pieces of a skull and jawbone.

The 10 to 20 human skulls were found during a second search of the property. The remains were transported to the Office of Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for analysis and potential identification, according to KRQE.

Officials are hoping the evidence will give them answers about the disappearance of Angela McManes, 43, who was last seen on May 14, 2019. Her last known residence was near the property under investigation, according to the outlet.

“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” added LCSO.

DNA analysis could confirm some of the remains belong to McManes and other possible victims. No formal charges have been filed in the case yet.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crimestoppers at 575-393-8005.

Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Donovan Dent had 25 points and 10 assists in New Mexico’s 100-81 win against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday night.

Kayde Dotson scored 18 points, shooting 6 for 7 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Lobos (3-0). Tru Washington finished with 15 points.

Garry Clark led the way for the Islanders (1-2) with 19 points. Owen Dease added 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Texas A&M-CC. Shilo Jackson also had nine points.

New Mexico took the lead with 15:32 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 49-34 at halftime, with Dent racking up 12 points. New Mexico extended its lead to 66-45 during the second half, fueled by a 10-0 scoring run. Dent scored a team-high 13 points in the second half.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.