by Queens, New York — Police in Queens are investigating a disturbing discovery after partial skeletal remains, including a human skull, were found behind a busy strip mall on Monday afternoon. The remains were located at 134-01 20th Avenue in College Point, just across from a parking lot filled with major retailers like ShopRite, Target, HomeGoods, and TJ Maxx.
The site was quickly cordoned off by NYPD officers and homicide detectives, who combed the area for evidence while stunned shoppers looked on. Authorities confirmed that a skull, hip bone, and leg bone were recovered.
Second Gruesome Find in Queens Within a Week
This grisly discovery comes only one week after city sanitation workers found a woman’s torso stuffed inside a trash bag in another part of Queens. That case shocked New Yorkers and sparked fears of foul play.
While police have not confirmed whether the two cases are related, the timing and proximity of the finds have heightened public concern. Residents and business owners in the area say they are unsettled by the possibility that these remains may point to larger criminal activity in the borough.
NYPD and Medical Examiner Leading the Investigation
The NYPD Homicide Squad has taken charge of the investigation, carefully processing the scene behind a chain-link fence bordering the strip mall. So far, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not confirmed the identity of the deceased.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is now working to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as whether the bones belong to the same person whose torso was discovered last week. Officials say it may take time to gather DNA evidence and match it against missing persons databases.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The area where the remains were found is a busy shopping hub, frequented daily by families and workers. News of the discovery spread quickly, leaving many shaken.
“I shop here all the time. To think that there were human remains right behind the parking lot is terrifying,” said one local resident. Another shopper described the area as “usually quiet” and said the find has left them “looking over their shoulder.”
Community leaders are now urging police to increase patrols around the area, especially given the back-to-back discoveries of dismembered human remains in Queens within such a short timeframe.
No Clear Links Yet, but Questions Remain
At this stage, police have not drawn any connection between the torso found by sanitation workers and the partial skeleton discovered near the College Point strip mall. However, investigators are examining whether the remains could be from the same victim or part of a larger pattern of crimes.
The NYPD has not released any further identifying details about the remains or possible suspects, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
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What Happens Next
The Medical Examiner’s office is expected to perform additional forensic testing to establish the identity of the deceased. This could include dental records, DNA analysis, and comparison with missing persons reports from across New York City and beyond.
Authorities are also reviewing nearby surveillance footage and canvassing businesses in the strip mall for any possible leads. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility of foul play.
Community on Edge as Police Search for Answers
The discovery of human remains in such public spaces has left Queens residents deeply unsettled. While investigators continue their work, police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
For now, College Point shoppers and residents are left grappling with unsettling questions: Who do the remains belong to, and could the two recent discoveries be linked to a single suspect?
What do you think about the recent discoveries of human remains in Queens? Do you believe these cases are connected? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
