YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. — Earlier this week, a tractor grading the desert floor near the very small community of Cleator in Yavapai County unearthed human remains, according to authorities.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said both human bones and "the splintered remains of a wooden box" were found.

The discovery was initially believed to be a possible crime scene, and the YCSO Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Yavapai County Search and Rescue dogs, and the medical examiner's office were brought in to investigate.

But now, the sheriff's office said the remains seem to be older.

"The clues weren't pointing to a recent tragedy, but to a final chapter written 55 to 85 years ago," said Sheriff David Rhodes in a video posted to Facebook .

The sheriff's office said investigators worked

See Full Page