Firearm found near human skeletal remains in Miramar Beach

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.— The Walton County Sheriff’s Office says a firearm was found near human skeletal remains discovered Thursday in a heavily wooded area in Miramar Beach.

According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), while conducting an extensive search, a firearm was located within close proximity to the remains. The scene was preserved overnight, and additional grid searches were completed Friday morning, the WCSO said.

The bone fragments have been confirmed by the medical examiner to be human, the WCSO said in a statement.

Because of the state and decay of both the bones and the weapon, it appears they have been in the area for a long period of time, the WCSO said.

“The scene is spread out because of the length of time the bones have been out in the elements,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

“Once all the evidence is collected, we will work closely with the Medical Examiner’s office to identify who it is and what may have occurred.”

According to the WCSO, investigators responded to the scene on Thursday when a man clearing a wooded lot near Leeward Drive discovered a piece of a jawbone.

Deputies and investigators began searching the area Thursday afternoon after receiving the call, the WCSO said.