Police: Human bones found during San Juan investigation bought on Web

Investigators continue to examine the bones found at 610 W. Citrus St., but confirmed they are human and not an animal, but one of the people at the house told police the remains were bought from Skulls Unlimited International, an Oklahoma City-based skeletal retailer.

San Juan Police Chief Juan Gonzalez said the bones are human, but further testing needs to be completed before authorities are certain.

Police confirmed Thursday that a resident at the house purchased a catalog and the bones from Skulls Unlimited International. 

Jay Villemarette, owner and president of the bone retailer, said most of his company's business — about 90 percent or more — comes from the educational community.  Still, his company sells bones to whomever wants to purchase them.

"There's no rules or regulations that prohibit us from selling to the public," he said.

Investigators found the remains of several dogs Thursday morning in the house's back yard, as well.

Investigators believe the residents at the house had been worshipping the Santa Muerte, or, Death Saint in Spanish, as well as Palo Mayombe, a form of black magic that incorporates skeletal remains and animal sacrifice.

"It's all mixed together," Gonzalez said.

A police badge found at the property belonged to a former Rio Grande City officer who has been located alive and well, Gonzalez said.

"He was pretty shaken up," Gonzalez said.

After finding the bones, police have treated their investigation as a homicide, but with the revelation of the bones being purchased off the Web, it appears unlikely that anyone was harmed, Gonzalez said.

"We have no indication of filing any (charges) against anybody," he said.

The investigation at the house was launched by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal officials have not disclosed the scope of their investigation.

San Juan police launched its own investigation after the possible human remains were found at the property. A U.S. Border Patrol cadaver dog helped locate the remains, as well.