ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—The bizarre case of a young Newfoundland man charged with possession of stolen skeletal remains taken from an old Anglican cemetery returned to court Thursday.

Lucas Dawe of Conception Bay South appeared briefly from jail via video link on charges of interfering with human remains and possession of stolen property.

The crime has gripped the community since police launched an investigation into “quite old” partial skeletal remains found on April 6.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said they were called to Conception Bay South at 1 a.m., where the partial remains were found.

Police and the office of the province’s chief medical examiner were on the scene at one of the oldest cemeteries at All Saints church in Conception Bay South last weekend, where some graves date back to the 1850s.

Police have divulged few details in the case, though sources have offered some lurid details to the local newspaper.

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Newfoundland man charged with possession of stolen skeleton

The case will return to court May 1, after the defence sought more time for disclosure of evidence.

The 20-year-old is also charged with failing to comply with a court order, stemming from earlier charges.