Numerous human skulls found in backyard in southeastern New Mexico

Deputies unearthed 10 to 20 human skulls in a backyard in Jal, and authorities say some of the bones may be tied to a 2019 missing person’s case, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

On Nov. 5, a local man told the Lea County Sheriff’s Office that he “had an unsettling encounter” while giving a ride to Cecil Villanueva, 28. The man told deputies Villanueva made “alarming” comments and threw what appeared to be human bones from the vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office’s news release.

A forensic pathologist confirmed that bone fragments found in the area were human remains, deputies said.

Villanueva has not been charged with a crime in connection with the remains. His family declined to comment Tuesday.

The next day, on Nov. 6, deputies searched Villanueva’s home on South Fourth Street, which was “associated with rumors of human remains” and uncovered a skull and jawbone, as well as other bone fragments.

A forensic anthropologist and team of investigators arrived at the scene Saturday, the release said, and uncovered 10 to 20 human skulls.

The bones are yet to be identified, but Lea County deputies suspect the remains are tied to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, who lived nearby.

McManes was last seen May 13, 2019.

“Our hearts continue to be heavy (and) broken as we look to find you,” McManes’ sister, Kris Kelton, posted to a Facebook account dedicated to finding her.

The recovered bones were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for identification.

“Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” according to the release. “This is an active and ongoing investigation.”

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information to call deputies at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Villanueva was arrested for criminal trespass while visiting an Allsup’s convenience store from which he had been banned, according to a criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court.