University of South Florida experts will help investigate human remains found at Toscana

USF has specialized equipment for conducting large-scale excavations.


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  • | 11:30 a.m. July 21, 2022
Photos courtesy of the FCSO
Photos courtesy of the FCSO
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by: FCSO Public Affairs Office

Experts from the University of South Florida's anthropology department will bring specialized equipment to help the Flagler County Sheriff's Office investigate a site where construction workers unearthed human remains on July 18.

The FCSO, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Medical Examiner's Office have paused further excavation of remains at the Toscana construction site.

A number of skeletal bones and fragments have been recovered, and FCSO detectives have already been consulting with the USF anthropology department.

USF has extensive experience and specialized equipment in conducting large scale excavations. In 2014, USF led the excavation of bodies at Florida’s infamous Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.

“Because of the size of the construction site, the number of large piles and the amount of dirt that has been moved around throughout the site, we needed specialized equipment and a faster process,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “USF developed specialized equipment and experience during the excavation at the boy’s school and offered to assist. Their equipment should greatly speed up the process and ensure no remains are missed.” 

A team from USF, along with specialized equipment, is anticipated to arrive on Tuesday, July 26, to assist.

During this temporary pause, FCSO deputies will remain on site 24 hours a day to secure the area and FCSO equipment.

The public is reminded this area is considered a crime scene, and anyone trying to enter the site will be arrested for a felony.

 

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