BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

DELBARTON, W.Va. — The Williamson detachment of the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) has launched an investigation after discovering charred human remains near Delbarton.

According to Sgt. Dale Hensley, the remains were found Thursday in the remote area of Riffe Branch, off U.S. 119, where people dump trash.

The state medical examiner in South Charleston confirmed that the remnants were human. Due to the severity of the burns, however, the examiner could not ascertain the age or the gender. The cause of death also remains undetermined at this time.

Sgt. Hensley, overseeing the case, stressed that confirming the deceased’s identity would take time.

To expedite the investigation, the WVSP is cross-referencing their findings with existing reports of missing persons from Mingo County. Despite the limited information available, Sgt. Hensley affirmed he is investigating the case as a homicide.

No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made so far.

The WVSP is spearheading the investigation, with additional support from the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department.

This chilling discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community. As the investigation unfolds, police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.