Florence workers discover human remains
Florence City Police work to begin investigating the scene where a human skull was found under a bathtub as demolition crews with the city of Florence worked to tear down an abandoned building on Charles Street on January 29, 2010.
FLORENCE — City workers discovered human remains in an abandoned east Florence property Friday morning.
The remains were found about 11 a.m. by a Florence Community Services Division employees who were demolishing a residence at 520 S. Charles St., near Walnut Street, Florence Police Chief Anson Shells said.
The remains had apparently been there for some time, he said.
Florence County Deputy Coroner Don Reynolds said it is unclear if the remains are those of a man or woman.
Police investigators worked all day Friday excavating the property in an effort to locate any other clues.
Once all the remains are collected, they likely will be sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for an autopsy, Reynolds said. DNA may be used to establish an identity.
Police are examining missing persons reports to see if one could be connected to the remains.
The property is owned by a Marion woman who gave the city written permission to remove the home and clean up the property, said Scotty Davis, Florence director of community services.
Police have received reports of crime activity at the address, Maj. Carlos Raines said.
That lots is one of 500 problematic properties the city has on a list to clean up, Davis said. Florence City Council designated $300,000 to the community services for the project.
Davis said 22 properties, including the one at 520 Charles St., has been bidded out for demolition by a contractor. So far, 14 lots have been cleared.
City workers conduct research before any work is done to ensure there are no liens or mortgages on the properties, Davis said.
http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/local/pee_dee/article/human_remains_found_in_east_florence/100959/