New details surrounding skull found in Collier County park

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NAPLES, Fla.- Investigators say human remains found near the Everglades over the weekend belong to a female.

Hikers discovered the remains in the Picayune Strand State Forest around 2 p.m. Saturday. A human skull was discovered in standing water in a wooded area near the intersection of 126 Avenue Southeast and Miller Boulevard. An 8-inch bone and a section of vertebrae were also found near the roadside.

Reports show the hikers made a wrong turn while following their GPS then noticed buzzards swarming the water near the skull.

Authorities say the skull was left there as recent as four days ago. Reports show a long strand of dark hair was found near the skull.

A preliminary examination by the medical examiner’s office determined that the remains are from a female over the age of 30 who had extensive dental work, according to detectives. She also had a previous broken collar bone that had healed. Detectives say she also had red polish on her fingernails.

Collier County detectives say it’s not clear whether foul play is involved. A cause of death has not yet been determined.

If you have any information, call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

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