LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The mummified remains of two babies dead more than 70 years have been found in a Los Angeles basement, say police who pledge a thorough investigation.

The remains were found in a steamer trunk wrapped in Los Angeles Times newspapers from the early 1930s. A ticket to the 1932 Olympics' closing ceremonies and other items were found nearby.


The Times reported Wednesday that both babies appeared to have been newborns, one possibly premature. The remains were found inside medical bags, wrapped in the newspapers.

Authorities are classifying the case as a "death investigation" because it's unclear how the babies got to the location, and it's far too early to tell whether this is a homicide case.

Officials will attempt to determine how the babies died, probably with the help of forensic anthropologists. They will also look for any reports of missing infants from the period and try to track down anyone who lived in the building at the time.

The remains were found Tuesday night when workers were cleaning out the basement of the apartment building near downtown Los Angeles.