The Latest: Phoenix sewer being searched after remains found

PHOENIX – The Latest on human remains found in a Phoenix sewer (all times local):

9:30 a.m.

Phoenix police and city workers are searching a wastewater sewer system in a neighbourhood where partial human remains were found, and the case is being investigated as a possible homicide.

Officer James Holmes says city workers found remains in a sewer line Wednesday night after a resident called to complain about a toilet not flushing.

Holmes says remains found so far consist of dismembered parts of an adult’s body but that it’s not known how the person died or how or where the body was dismembered.

Holmes says the wastewater system line has an 8-inch pipe so workers have used a camera to look for additional remains and possible evidence. They’re also using tools to move anything in the pipe to manholes where it can be inspected.

He says the search involves many yards of sewer line.

The location is near West Baseline Road and South 55th Avenue.

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6:05 a.m.

Phoenix police say they’re investigating a possible homicide involving what appear to be human remains found in a sewer line.

Homicide detectives and firefighters are working at the scene in southwest Phoenix.

Officer James Holmes says city Water Department employees found the apparent remains Wednesday evening.

Holmes says the recovery effort will be long and complicated and that no additional details are immediately available.

The location is near West Baseline Road and South 55th Avenue.