RCSO Identifies Suspicious Bone as Non-Human Thanks to Augusta University Graduate

Local Law Enforcement Gains New Resource for Investigating Suspicious Remains

In Augusta, Georgia, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made a significant advancement in its ability to handle cases involving suspicious bones. After identifying a bone found in the backyard of a home on the 2000 block of Naples Drive, officials determined it was not human. This discovery highlights the importance of having forensic expertise on hand for such investigations.

The Crime Scene Unit at the sheriff's office has been receiving multiple calls this year regarding similar findings. These cases often require the input of a forensic anthropologist, a resource that is not always readily available at the local level. However, the sheriff’s office now has access to an in-house expert, thanks to the work of Madison Montoya, a 2021 graduate of Augusta University.

Montoya joined the sheriff’s office about eight months ago after previously working in South Fulton as a patrol officer and crime technician. Her background in anthropology from Augusta University has allowed her to transition into a role where she assists with violent crime investigations and evidence collection, including the examination of human remains.

“We write a lot of reports—long and detailed ones,” Montoya said. “If something like a suspicious bone comes up, we share pictures through the crime scene department, verify between each other, and I’ll call whether or not I think it’s a bone (whether animal or human), and then we confer again.”

When investigators responded to the scene on Naples Drive, Montoya was able to determine that the bone was of animal origin based on its shape. She explained that in this particular case, the bone had a more angular head, which helped differentiate it from human remains.

Sergeant Shawn Newsome, who supervises the Crime Scene Unit, emphasized the value of having Montoya on staff. “We were having to call an anthropologist from Atlanta to confirm what we kind of already knew based on our experience. For confirmation, we would call an anthropologist from GBI, but she’s left. But with Maddy on board, we don’t have to wait for days to get a response back. So, it’s a more immediate response that we can get.”

For Montoya, the role also brings a sense of peace of mind to those who find suspicious remains. “It’s not the greatest feeling when you walk into your backyard and you find a bone laying out there. So, when you have someone locally and quickly respond to say whether a bone is animal or human, it just gives you a sigh of relief.”

The sheriff’s office encourages residents to report any suspicious remains they may encounter. By calling the office, they can ensure proper investigation and prevent unnecessary worry. Having a forensic anthropologist on staff allows for faster and more accurate assessments, benefiting both the community and law enforcement.

This development marks a positive step forward for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, offering a valuable resource that enhances their ability to address complex cases and provide timely answers to concerned citizens.