Human Remains That Could Be 120 Years Old Found at College Construction Site

**Human Remains Discovered at University of Oklahoma Construction Site**

In a significant archaeological find, human remains believed to date back to the early 1900s were uncovered at a construction site for a new building at the University of Oklahoma (OU) last week. The discovery was made on Thursday, February 19, during ongoing construction of the Life Sciences Laboratories Building.

Upon realising the significance of the find, construction crews promptly halted work. The university has stated that immediate steps were taken, including notifying law enforcement and the State Medical Examiner’s Office to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards. An official statement from the university confirmed these actions, emphasising the need for compliance with state burial protection laws and procedures.

According to university officials, initial assessments suggest that the remains are not linked to any criminal activity. “Based on preliminary evaluation, there are no findings to suggest criminal activity. Early indications suggest the remains date to the early 1900s,” the statement explained. This early determination appears to have alleviated some concerns regarding the nature of the discovery.

The university reassured the public of its commitment to handle the remains with due care and respect. “The university is committed to ensuring the remains are handled with care, dignity, and respect,” the statement concluded, reflecting a sensitivity to the historical significance of the discovery.

Witnesses at the construction site reported seeing a truck associated with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) present on site the following day. According to reports from the university’s student newspaper, the OU Daily, construction workers were observed drilling around the area, which had been cordoned off by a white tent to secure the site.

The OCME has since indicated that it has waived jurisdiction over the case since the remains are classified as non-forensic, meaning they do not necessitate a criminal investigation. A spokesperson for the agency elaborated on this, suggesting that the discovery will be treated more as a historical or archaeological matter rather than a criminal one.

Historical context suggests that the site where these remains were uncovered was once home to Sutton Hall, a building that was demolished in the previous year to make way for the new Life Sciences Laboratories Building. This previous occupation of the land adds another layer of complexity to the evaluation of the remains and their potential historical significance.

As investigations continue, the university has expressed an ongoing commitment to comply with all legal and ethical requirements in the handling of the remains. University officials have stated that they will keep the public informed throughout the evaluation process.

For further information about the historical implications of this discovery, inquiries were directed to the State Archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck, although a response was not immediately forthcoming.

This discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the history that lies beneath our feet, and the university’s approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and respecting human history, even amid modern developments. As more information becomes available, the community looks forward to learning how this find will be assessed and what it might reveal about the lives of those who came before.