SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities are working to identify human remains discovered in a trash bag in Brigham City, but an autopsy conducted Thursday was unable to confirm key details about the deceased.
According to the Brigham City Police Department, the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, making it impossible for the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner to determine the individual’s identity, including their age, gender, race, or ethnicity. The only distinguishing feature noted was the person’s long reddish-brown hair, which was tied back with a hair tie.
The full body was located on Wednesday, April 2, near 2600 West Highway 13. A construction crew cleaning up at the end of their shift became suspicious after noticing one garbage bag was unusually heavy. Upon inspection, they discovered human hair and bones inside and immediately notified law enforcement.
Police say the remains could have been in that condition for anywhere from several weeks to even years. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the body may have been stored elsewhere before being dumped in Brigham City more recently.
“We don’t yet know how long the person has been deceased or where the body may have originally been,” said Detective Crystal Beck. “There’s a lot we’re still trying to determine.”
Authorities say there are currently no active missing persons cases in Brigham City, suggesting the individual may not be a local resident. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area recently — especially those with dashcam footage from around the time of the discovery — to reach out.
“Even if your footage seems insignificant, it might help piece together what happened,” Beck emphasized. Police have already received multiple tips, including one involving possible dashcam video.
Tips can be submitted by calling 435-856-7023 or anonymously at 435-723-1244.
Officials say updates on the case may be available as early as Friday. ABC4 will continue to provide information as the investigation progresses.
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