Deschutes County, Oregon- On January 21st, 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a concerning report of possible human remains near the Knott Landfill outside of Bend. The call came from an individual walking dogs in a field when one of the dogs returned with what appeared to be a portion of a human foot.
Deputies secured the item, later confirmed to be a portion of a human foot. Subsequently, investigators engaged various agencies to shed light on this peculiar case. The collaborative effort included the State of Oregon Medical Examiner’s Office, Oregon State Police Forensic Anthropology Unit, Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.
After thorough examination, investigators have determined that the partial human remains are not suspicious in nature. Instead, they are more likely the result of accidental improper disposal. With a high degree of confidence, authorities believe that the remains are associated with a medical procedure, specifically an amputation.
The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the commitment to a comprehensive and meticulous inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the discovery. As the investigation concludes, the community can rest assured that there is no apparent threat related to these human remains, and the incident is deemed to be an unfortunate consequence of accidental disposal following a medical procedure.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office expresses gratitude for the collaboration of the involved agencies and assures the public that every effort is being made to ensure a respectful resolution to this unusual incident.
Source: DCSO
