“This remains an early-stage evaluation, and we will continue to follow all legal and regulatory requirements,” said the University of Oklahoma
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- Human remains going back to the early 1900s were discovered at a construction site where a new building was being constructed this month, the University of Oklahoma said
- Work on the building has been halted following the discovery
- The school said it has contacted authorities about the find
Human remains possibly dating back over 100 years ago were found at a construction site, said officials with the University of Oklahoma last week.
Construction crews made the discovery on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the future home of the school’s Life Sciences Laboratories Building, the university said in an email to PEOPLE on Monday, Feb. 23.
“Work was stopped immediately, and the university notified law enforcement and the State Medical Examiner’s Office. All required procedures and state burial protection laws are being followed,” OU said.
The school suggested that "criminal activity" has been ruled out, adding, “Based on preliminary evaluation, there are no findings to suggest criminal activity. Early indications suggest the remains date to the early 1900s."
The school also said the site “remains an early-stage evaluation, and we will continue to follow all legal and regulatory requirements.”
“The university is committed to ensuring the remains are handled with care, dignity, and respect,” the statement concluded.
A truck apparently affiliated with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was present at the construction site on Friday, Feb. 20, per the OU Daily, the school's student newspaper.
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“Construction workers were observed drilling around an area that was blocked off by a white tent,” the newspaper reported.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) told PEOPLE Monday, Feb. 23, that the agency has "waived jurisdiction on the case since they are non-forensic remains."
A spokesperson for the OCME had explained earlier to the OU Daily that the discovery of non-forensic remains means that the deaths do not require a criminal investigation.
The site where the remains were discovered was formerly occupied by Sutton Hall, which was demolished last year for the new building being constructed, The Oklahoman reported.
PEOPLE was directed to State Archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck for further information, but did not receive an immediate response.
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