Richland Co. coroner announces results of remains found on Kilbourne Road

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The Richland Co. Coroner’s Office is announcing the results of remains found on Kilbourne Road.

The coroner’s office says two human bones were found along with several animal ones during a home renovation in the 700 block of Kilbourne Road on March 12 in Columbia.

Officials say the the bones have proven to have no forensic value and are likely historical in nature.

“Our investigation indicates the recovered bones are probably of archaeological origins and were collected in another country.  Our team will undertake further testing to confirm their source and pursue return or repatriation of the remains to the country of origin,” says Dr. William Stevens, Forensic Anthropologist, who assisted in the investigation along with Dr. Madeline Atwell, Forensic Anthropologist, both with the Richland County Coroner’s Office.

The announcement was made by Richland County Coroner Dr. Naida Rutherford after DNA tests were performed.

“Many Richland County citizens speculated on social media that the bones could be tied to a missing person’s cold case, but that is not the situation here as these bones are possibly several hundred years old.  Our hearts hurt when families don’t know where their loved ones are.  Nothing is more important to our office than being able to bring closure to those who face the unknown.  Every person deserves to come home,” says Dr. Rutherford.