CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - Human remains were discovered last week during a roadside cleanup along Interstate 40 near Casa Blanca in Cibola County.
According to the New Mexico Corrections Department, the discovery was made Tuesday, April 21, during regularly scheduled cleanup work in the Laguna area. The six-person work crew was made up of inmates from the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas.
The department said the crew was working near Casa Blanca when the remains were found. After the discovery, behavioral health support was provided to the crew members and staff involved.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has started an investigation into the discovery. Additional details, including the identity of the person, the condition of the remains and the circumstances surrounding the death, had not been released as of press time.
The discovery occurred along a heavily traveled stretch of I-40 that runs through Cibola County and the Pueblo of Laguna area. Authorities have not released information indicating whether the remains are connected to any missing person case or criminal investigation.
The Cibola Citizen will continue to follow the investigation as more information becomes available.