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Crime

16th Aug 2022

Human remains found in suitcase bought at auction

Danny Jones

Human remains found in suitcase auction NZ

Locals reported a ‘wicked smell’ coming from the house where the remains were found

Human remains have been found in a suitcase purchased at an auction in New Zealand. Local police have now launched an investigation in order to identify them.

The disturbing discovery was made following an auction at an Auckland storage facility on Thursday, August 11, after a family had purchased a trailer full of claimable goods.

The human remains themselves were revealed after the residents brought the newly procured property back to their home, with locals also reporting a “wicked smell” coming from the house even before police had arrived, according to NZ outlet, Stuff.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua confirmed that police arrived not long after, along with a hearse; he also added that a neighbour who previously worked at a crematorium instantly recognised the smell as that of a body.

The suitcase and several other bags of auctioned items were subsequently taken off the trailer in the suburban area of Clendon Park, South Auckland before being placed in a forensic tent for examination.

Authorities have now launched a homicide investigation in order to try and identify the remains. The family themselves are not thought to have been involved, having simply stumbled onto the suitcase, and are now being offered victim support after having been met with its shocking contents.

As of Sunday, the police cordon has now been lifted but police remain tight-lipped on their progress so far, assuring that further statements and information on the case will be issued as it develops.

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