San Antonio Worker Finds Human Skull While Cutting Grass; Remains Identified as Missing 30-Year-Old
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A gruesome discovery shocked a Texas plumbing company after an employee stumbled upon a human skull while cutting grass earlier this month. Authorities have since identified the remains as belonging to a 30-year-old man reported missing.
Discovery Near Plumbing Business
On September 15, employee Walter Stephens was mowing outside Harrell Commercial Plumbing on North San Jacinto Street when he noticed what he first thought looked like a “dried cantaloupe.”
“I picked it up, and the bottom part of the jaw stayed on the ground. When I turned it over and saw the teeth, I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” Stephens told KSAT.
Stephens quickly alerted his boss, Brad Harrell, who called police. Officers arrived around 1:30 p.m. and confirmed the object was a decomposing human skull.
More Remains Found Nearby
Investigators later discovered additional bones, a detached mandible, and other possible body parts near a creek behind the business. Stephens said the area is regularly visited, and he did not believe the remains had been there for long.
“Either someone picked it up and dropped it off there, or some type of animal moved it,” Harrell speculated.
Victim Identified
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains as Austin Thomas Wyrosdick, 30, according to KSAT and KENS reports. Authorities described the case as an “apparent sudden death.”
The official cause and manner of death remain pending autopsy results.
Community Reaction
Stephens said the remains were found near bowls used to feed stray dogs, making the discovery even more unsettling. “You don’t think you’re going to see a human skull, ever really,” Harrell added.
Neighbors and workers in the area expressed sadness for Wyrosdick’s family, with many saying the discovery was disturbing but also provided long-awaited closure.
Do you think local authorities should increase patrols and monitoring of areas where remains are often discovered? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
