Angela McManes was last seen May 14, 2019, near a residence where authorities this week discovered up to 20 human skulls. Photo courtesy of Jal Police Department/
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Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Up to 20 human skulls have been found at a New Mexico home, according to authorities, who said the case is "closely tied" to the 2019 disappearance of a mother.
The Lea County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that they were alerted to the home in the southeastern New Mexico city of Jal after receiving a report on Nov. 5 from a resident who had "an unsettling encounter" with a person identified as Cecil Villanueva.
According to police, the person had given Villanueva, who was carrying two bags, a ride during which Villanueva allegedly made "alarming statements and discarded objects" that appeared to be bone fragments from the vehicle.
Police later searched near a convenience store and Villanueva's alleged location and found the objects, which a pathologist confirmed were pieces of human bone.
A search of Villanueva's South 4th Street property on Nov. 6 uncovered additional bone fragments, including portions of a skull and jawbone. A comprehensive search of the property conducted on Saturday uncovered evidence of between 10 and 20 human skulls, the Lea County Sheriff's Office said.
Police said the discovery of the bones is "closely tied" to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property where the bones were found -- a location the Lea County Sheriff's Office said was "associated with rumors of human remains."
"Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims," the sheriff's office said.
According to The Charley Project cold case database, McManes was 43 years old and in poor health when she disappeared.
She was last seen May 14, 2019, and wasn't reported missing for a month as she was known to travel for weeks at a time.
"She left her diabetic medication, cigarettes, wallet and phone," the Jal Police Department said in a June 2019 statement asking the public's help in finding her.
"Her glasses are currently broken and she's blind without them, last seen in pink sweat pants and grey shirt at 633 S 41th."
The status of Villanueva was not mention by the Lea County Sheriff's Office which said the investigation is ongoing.
Jal is a city of some 2,000 people.