Anthropologist to examine bones found in Waukegan

The Lake County coroner is calling in a forensic anthropologist to examine skeletal human remains found Wednesday in Waukegan.

Dr. Howard Cooper said the anthropologist will examine the remains, bone by bone, beginning early next week. The examination, he hopes, will indicate the sex, race and approximate age of the person, and how old the remains are, as well as a possible cause of death.

A man walking in the woods near Tenth Street and South Lewis Avenue found the remains and called police around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Waukegan Police Cmdr. Joe Florip.

Florip said the man has cooperated with investigators.

The bones did not appear to be buried, nor in a shallow grave of any kind, according to Florip. There isn't a walking path nearby.

"We're coming off the winter season and things are starting to thaw and people are starting to come out and walk around more," he said.

Florip said police are "very confident" there's no threat to the community.

• Daily Herald staff writer Chacour Koop contributed.