HOUSTON – Human bones were found Thursday in northeast Houston, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

The remains were found in the 11800 block of Ferndell Street. A homeowner told deputies her dog brought a skull to the home.

Erica Hernandez was on her way to work around 7:30 a.m. Thursday when she saw her neighbors grouped around something in her driveway.

“I walked up to them and there’s a human skull sitting in the driveway, just sitting there. I was stunned. I was shocked,” she said

The Sheriff's Office called the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science to assist with the investigation. The remains were later confirmed to be human.

Investigators and EquuSearch volunteers combed the area and said they located other remains, Gonzalez said. Deputies are considering the case a homicide until proven otherwise.

Gonzalez said there were some burned spots near where the remains were found, but said it hadn't been determined if the burned areas were related to the human bones.

“We found some patches, again, of some burned foliage that was there. We just now found some pieces of clothing now. We’re cognizant of different missing person cases that have occurred and so that will be part of the investigation, to see if it matches up to anyone,” Gonzalez said.

Deputies who patrol the area described it as being desolate and dark at night, Gonzalez said. Other debris at the scene, including a couch, indicated that the area is also considered a dumping ground, he said.

Investigators spent most of the day collecting evidence at the site. The evidence will be turned over for lab analysis.