LORTON, Va.—Skeletal remains found in Lorton on Monday night will be sent to Richmond for a closer examination.
The medical examiner’s office in Fairfax County worked Tuesday with an anthropologist to try and identify a human skull and skeletal remains found on Furnace Road about 8 p.m. Monday.
The team decided Tuesday to turn the case over to forensic scientists at the state medical examiner’s office in Richmond.
“It will hopefully happen sooner than later, but it could take weeks or months before we hear anything,” said Fairfax police spokeswoman Tawny Wright.
The skull and skeletal remains were found along Furnace Road – a 3.2 mile stretch of two-lane road that connects U.S. 1 and Va. 123 – by a photographer stopping to take a photo of a deer.
While outside of the car, the man spotted what looked like to be a human skull in a weeded area and called police, said Wright.
With little information released on the remains, many longtime residents’ thoughts turned to the 1989 disappearance of 5-year-old Melissa Brannen.
The girl vanished during a December holiday party at the Woodside Apartment complex in Lorton, where she lived with her mother.
A maintenance man at the complex, Prince William County resident Caleb D. Hughes, was eventually charged with and convicted of abducting Melissa, but her body has never been found.
Police said the remains found Monday are probably not those of the little girl.
“While we have no way of confirming it 100 percent, detectives say it is unlikely that these are the remains of Melissa Brannen,” said Wright.
Police asked anyone with information to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.
This story appeared on insidenova.com.
Recent Stories
A judge has temporarily halted timbering near Courthouse Road, where a developer plans to build a large data center. The emergency injunction comes after neighbors raised alarms and Stafford County filed a legal complaint alleging zoning violations and broken land-use promises.
John Williams is the soundtrack of my childhood. So when the Kennedy Center invited my wife and me to Notes and Frames, a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra celebrating classic film scores, I jumped at the chance.
GMU graduate Emmanuel Nwokeabia wins $13,000 for his startup Viralbite, which connects food lovers with restaurants through performance-based influencer marketing.
Thousands of families have now confirmed whether their children will ride the bus next school year, as Stafford County Public Schools continues to implement its new transportation opt-in policy.
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
