Sun-News Reports

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LAS CRUCES - The human remains found last month in the 4500 block of West Picacho Avenue were that of a 61-year-old Las Cruces man, authorities said.

Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office detectives on Wednesday identified the man as Robert Reed, who reportedly lived off West Fleming Avenue in Las Cruces.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Kelly Jameson said detectives have not been able to determine how or when Reed died, but she said the investigation is ongoing.

Two landscape workers discovered the remains of Reed’s body on Oct. 10 while they were clearing brush outside a vacant building in the 4500 block of West Picacho Avenue near North Fairacres Lane.

Detectives said the remains were wrapped in a blue tarp and heavy plastic sheeting, and they were described as “severely decomposed.”

At the time, detectives were unsure how long the remains had been in the area, but they suspected foul play. On Wednesday, detectives reported that the remains could have been dumped in the area as early as mid-August.

The remains were sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for identification. A “possible” identification was made by Oct. 12, but detectives did not publicly release a name.

Jameson said the remains were positively identified after medical investigators returned some of Reed’s belongings that were found in his pants. She also said medical investigators have not yet determined a manner of death.

Since the remains were identified, detectives have only learned a few details about Reed. They said he lived in Las Cruces, walked with a cane and was known to frequent Thomas Branigan Memorial Library.

So far, detectives have been unable to find anyone related to Reed. Jameson said he had not been reported missing.

Anyone who might have known Reed, or anyone who has information about his death, is asked to call the detective assigned to the case at 575-525-8810.