BUCKHANNON — City of Buckhannon police officers found a deceased human fetus behind a building on Island Avenue Monday night.

Two city officers responded to a call regarding the discovery of human remains on Island Avenue shortly after 8 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers secured the area, called for the medical examiner and requested assistance to process the scene, which continued into the night.

Officers believe they have located the mother of the child, according to a press release from the department. The fetus was in an unknown stage of development and the matter remains under investigation.

Here’s the full press release:

“Chief Matt Gregory of the Buckhannon Police Department reports that on Jan. 2, 2023 at approximately 8 p.m., officers received a call regarding the discovery of human remains of a fetus located behind a building along Island Ave.

“Officers promptly secured the scene and began an investigation. From the initial investigation, the fetus was found to be in an unknown stage of development. The child will be sent to the WV State Medical Examiner’s Office for further evaluation.

“Officers have located and identified who they believe to be the mother of the child and the matter remains under investigation.

“The Buckhannon Police Department was assisted by the WV State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Dept., Randolph County Sheriff’s Dept., Upshur County EMS and the WV State Medical Examiner’s Office.”