An investigation is underway after a human skull was found in brush in the back yard of a Shelby County home.

Helena police said a man who lives in the 2800 block of Bridlewood Terrace was clearing the area in his back yard Saturday when he discovered what appeared to be a skull.

Officers responded and confirmed the remains were human. A secondary search by detectives turned up additional skeletal remains.

The remains were collected with help from the Shelby County Major Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Coroner’s Office. They have been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for identification and further examination.

Police said a previous resident of the home was reported missing in 2019 and detectives believe the remains could be of that individual.