Missoula Human Remains Mystery Solved

Missoula County investigators say testing has shown that human remains found outside the city last year were apparently of "Native American descent", probably dating back over 200 years.

The first remains were found in June 2024 by people recreating on Deep Creek, southwest of Missoula. Further searching located a second set of remains a few weeks later. Then, last November, detectives got another report of remains not far away, near Southside Road. Because of the exposure, detectives were unable to tell the gender or identity.

     🔬Tests by medical examiners in Missoula and Billings were also inconclusive.

But now, the sheriff's department says the UM Anthropology Department and a California lab at California State University in Chico conducted further tests and radiocarbon dating that show the bones date back to the late 1700s or early 1800s. The tests showed a date between 1780 and 1810. The only known whites in the region during that time would have been early explorers like Lewis & Clark, or David Thompson.

Authorities believe the remains may have been found elsewhere and moved. They are hoping to hear from anyone who may have information regarding the remains and ask that you call 406-258-4810 if you can help.

The Sheriff's Office says this case is a good reminder that if you locate human remains, under any situation, it's best to call their office or local law enforcement immediately. You're urged not to disturb or relocate them. Frequently, the original site may have additional clues that can help with identification.

In recent weeks, the Montana State Burial Preservation Board, which includes representatives from the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), met and agreed that the tribe would take custody of the remains from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they are respectfully laid to rest.