JAL, N.M. — There have been human remains found in Jal, NM during the week of Nov. 4 that may be linked to a 2019 missing person's case, according to the Lea County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).
On Nov. 5, an investigator with LCSO received a report from a Jal resident who had an unsettling encounter with a person identified as Cecil Villanueva while offering him a ride.
LCSO said Villanueva was carrying two bags, made alarming statements and discarded the objects from the vehicle. Some of the objects in the bags appeared to be human bones.
During a subsequent search near a convenience store and Villanueva's reported location, a pathologist confirmed that the objects were human bone fragments.
On Nov. 6, investigators executed a search warrant at Villanueva's property on South 4th St.
While at the residence, investigators found additional bone fragments that included portions of a skull and jawbone.
With the discovery of the additional findings, LCSO decided to bring in forensic experts.
On Nov. 9, a forensic anthropologist and team of investigators conducted a comprehensive search and found "10 to 20 human skulls."
According to LCSO, those remains have been taken to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for further analysis and potential identification.
LCSO said the case might be closely tied to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property under investigation.
According to LCSO, "authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between McManes and the remains."
If anyone has information related to the case, contact LCSO at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005.