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Human Remains Found Near Train Tracks In North Philadelphia


By Syma Chowdhry, Al-Qumar Atkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Officials say human remains were found near train tracks in North Philadelphia Friday morning.

The discovery of scattered body parts was made shortly after 11 a.m. in a field on Sedgley Avenue near York Street.

human remains north philly
(Police search area near train tracks by York Street & Sedgley Avenue looking for body parts. Credit: Syma Chowdhry)

Sources say the body may have been dismembered at a home on the 2100 block of North 32nd Street in Strawberry Mansion on Thursday.

Officials say a pool of blood and bloody tarps were found inside the residence, but officers did not find a body or suspect as they searched the house. Police searched the home Friday afternoon as well.

Neighbors say they are shocked at the discovery.

"I thought it was a pile of dogs, that's how bad the smell [was], but come to find out it was a person!" said Courtney Dean.

Like many neighbors who spoke with Eyewitness News, Dean can't believe police are combing through the field collecting dismembered body parts.

"I hear about shootings and stuff all the time but not finding chopped up body parts. That's some serial killer stuff you hear about," said Scott Hervey.

Sources say the suspect lives in the house and is in custody. The victim has not been identified.

The incident is being investigated. No charges have been filed.

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