A small human skull was uncovered during a family’s Easter egg hunt at a southern California park.
A person was searching for eggs inside DeForest Park in Long Beach on Easter Sunday when they discovered the partially buried skull feet from the entrance to the park’s walking path.
Members of the family participating in the egg hunt told CBS LA that what appeared to be a human skull and other bones of a small child were found in the midst of their holiday tradition.
Following the shocking discovery, Long Beach police and members of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office were dispatched to the park. The area of the park was cordoned off, and a white canopy was placed over the area where the skull was found.
“It’s just so sad what happened, and then on Easter Sunday. And then for kids to find it, that’s very disturbing,” George G., a Long Beach resident, told KTLA. “We’ve just got to leave it to the authorities, they know what to do.”
Members of the Medical Examiner’s Office “recovered a skeletonized human skull and mandible and brought the recovered remains to the Forensic Science Center for further examination,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed Monday that the remains were a human skull and jawbone. The remains were sent to the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center in Los Angeles for further examination.
Residents who frequent the neighborhood park were shocked by the finding. George noted that the park had been crowded the day before, telling the outlet, “The whole place was full of people barbecuing, having a really good time.”
Local resident Marc Zaldana told CBS LA he was walking along the path when he saw the children reacting moments after making the horrifying discovery.
“At first we saw the family there, doing like an Easter egg hunt, but they were freaking out a little bit,” Zaldana said. “I can only imagine, like for them, finding a dead, another kid.. Must be tragic for them.”
Authorities say their investigation remains ongoing.
