The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is examining remains found Sunday as detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. — Authorities had not identified human remains recovered from a garbage can in Chicago Heights as of Monday, leaving the person’s identity and the circumstances of the death among the central unanswered questions in an active investigation.
The remains were taken to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office after officers responded Sunday morning to the area of Chicago Road and Elmwood Drive. Police said a resident reported finding what appeared to be human remains inside a garbage can, and responding officers confirmed the discovery.
Officers arrived at about 11:50 a.m. after a call concerning suspicious circumstances. Authorities have not released the name, age or sex of the deceased and have not said whether investigators have developed information about when or where the person died.
The medical examiner’s examination is proceeding as Chicago Heights detectives investigate how the remains came to be at the location. No cause or manner of death had been publicly announced Monday, and police have released no information indicating whether a suspect has been identified.
The Chicago Heights Police Investigations Division is working with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Authorities have not disclosed what evidence was collected at the scene or whether investigators believe the garbage can had been at the location for an extended period.
Officials also have not announced any connection between the remains and a previously reported missing person or another investigation. Without a confirmed identification, authorities have provided little information about the person whose remains were recovered.
The discovery was reported by a resident, but police have not released details about that person’s identity or what specifically prompted the resident to examine or report the garbage can. Officials have described the initial police response as a call about suspicious circumstances.
Reports on Monday characterized the remains as human, with one local news report describing them as skeletal. Authorities themselves have released limited information about their condition, and investigators have not publicly detailed how long the remains may have been there.
The case remains under investigation by Chicago Heights police with assistance from the regional task force. Police asked anyone with information to contact the Chicago Heights Police Department at 708-756-6400, while the identity of the deceased and circumstances surrounding the death remain unresolved.
Author note: Last updated November 9, 2026.