Police Discover 20 Human Skulls in New Mexico Home; Tied to Missing Woman’s Case

Authorities in New Mexico have uncovered as many as 20 human skulls in a home after a man allegedly discarded bones from his car while hitching a ride.

The gruesome discovery was made in Jal, a small town in Lea County, following a tip from a resident who encountered a suspicious individual on November 5.

Angela McManes, 43, has not been seen since May 2019. Lea County Sheriff’s Office

The resident reported an unsettling interaction with a passenger identified as Cecil Villanueva, who reportedly made alarming statements and threw what appeared to be human bones from his vehicle. Police searched the area near a local convenience store and recovered bone fragments, which a pathologist confirmed as human.

A search warrant was executed on Villanueva’s home the following day, where additional bone fragments, including parts of a skull and jawbone, were found.

A subsequent search three days later led to the discovery of 10 to 20 human skulls. The remains were transported to Albuquerque’s Medical Investigator’s Office for identification.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office is working on identifying the remains. KRQE

The case is being closely linked to the disappearance of 43-year-old Angela McManes, who was last seen in May 2019. Her last known address was in the area where Villanueva resides, and authorities are working to determine if the remains found belong to McManes or other potential victims. Police are also investigating the possibility of foul play.

Undersheriff Michael Walker stated that investigators believe the skulls may have been purchased online over the years. Villanueva, who has not yet been charged in connection with the remains, remains in custody on an unrelated misdemeanour charge of criminal trespass.