LEA COUNTY, N.M. — The discovery of human remains in Jal, N.M., may be linked to a 2019 missing persons case, according to the Lea County Sheriff's Office.
A release from the LCSO says on Nov. 5, 2024, a Jal resident reported "an unsettling encounter" with a man named Cecil Villanueva when they offered him a ride. The man said Villanueva was carrying two bags and made "alarming statements" before throwing objects out of the vehicle, some that appeared to be human bones.
Searches near a convenience store and Villanueva's reported location turned up bone fragments that were confirmed to be human by a pathologist.
Villanueva was staying at a property on South 4th Street in Jal, which was associated with rumors of human remains, the LCSO said.
Investigators obtained a search warrants for the property and executed it Nov. 6. They found more bone fragments, including portions of a skull and jawbone, prompting them to call forensics experts in to help with the case.
On Nov. 9, 2024, a forensic anthropologist and a team of investigators made a comprehensive search of the property and found 10-20 human skulls. The remains found at the site were sent to Albuquerque for analysis and potential identification.
The sheriff's office says the case is being closely tied to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property being investigated. Authorities are working to determine a connection between the remains found and McManes and any other possible victims.
Anyone with information on the open investigation is asked to contact the Lea County Sheriff's Office at 575-396-3611 or Lea County Crimestoppers at 575-393-8005.
