The Lliria Civil Guard in Valencia is investigating the discovery of what appears to be human skeletal remains at the Gestalgar recreation area along the Turia river. The discovery occurred earlier today after a woman walking her two dogs noticed a fire in the area and found what remained of a burned body. The witness managed to extinguish the flames that were still burning and immediately alerted the Gestalgar Civil Guard barracks. The call came in around 8:30 in the morning. The Peña María area, a quiet spot frequented by local residents and visitors alike, is known for its rural attractions, making the event all the more startling. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been set at dawn, but investigators will confirm the circumstances during the on-site examination.
Civil Guard officers quickly secured the scene, establishing a perimeter and restricting access to nearby roads to prevent contamination of the potential crime scene and to keep bystanders away while the investigation proceeded.
That night, Lliria’s court commission authorized the removal of the remains, or what was left, and by about 3:30 in the afternoon the entire perimeter had been cleared and the area resecured. The exact gender of the remains could not be determined at that moment due to the condition of the bones and the elapsed time since the incident. The remains were transported to the Valencia Forensic Institute, where forensic anthropologists will conduct a detailed analysis to establish their origin, estimate the time of death, and look for signs that might indicate a violent death or other causes.