Human remains found during West Village garden renovation

Construction workers renovating a garden in Manhattan's West Village came across skeletal remains on Thursday, Nov. 5, and police are now investigating. Officers from the 6th Precinct responded to a 911 call at around 11 a.m. from workers at 79 Christopher St., who said they had made the grim discovery in the rear of the property.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the workers were renovating a garden next to St. John's Lutheran Church when they found what looked like a skull along with roughly five bones. The bones lay in a square on the ground, which could suggest a grave.

The building at 79 Christopher St. is connected to the church. Investigators are looking into whether a cemetery may once have occupied the property. Sources said the remains appeared to be significantly aged.

The whole building was undergoing construction when the remains were found. The Chief Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing.