Human Remains Discovered In San Clemente

SAN CLEMENTE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have determined skeletal remains found in San Clemente are human.

The remains were found and reported Thursday afternoon by a biologist shortly after 2 p.m. near Camino Vera Cruz and Avenida Pico.

Investigators sent to the scene Friday concluded the remains were indeed human, according to sheriff's officials.

It wasn't clear how long the remains had been at the location. Officials said many homeless people are encamped in and around the area.

When the remains were first discovered, CBS 2's Michele Gile said people thought they might be deer remains.

Detectives said they have recovered a human skull. Authorities have also not determined if the deceased was a man or a woman.

Sheriff's homicide detectives have blocked off the area to the public during the investigation.

But the public was definitely on high alert.

"It's kind of scary," said Dalton Cardoso, "because we don't know what it is so far."

Gile also reported no clothing was found near the remains.