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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. —

Sources say a man charged with possessing stolen skeletal remains from a Conception Bay South cemetery last week was arrested after he allegedly attempted to boil the bones and drink the water.

Lucas Dawe, 20, made his second appearance in provincial court in St. John's Thursday morning, where his case was postponed for a week in order to allow him time to find a lawyer.

Dawe — who was escorted into court by sheriffs with his head underneath his coat, and asked the officers to guide him into the courtroom because he couldn't see where he was going — agreed to stay in custody until then.

The details of the allegations against Dawe have not yet been presented in court, but documents indicate he is charged with possessing a skeleton stolen from All Saints Parish on April 5, as well as interfering with human remains on the same day. Dawe is also facing a charge of breaching a court order.

Sources told The Telegram the remains came from the Anglican parish cemetery and belonged to a person who died a significant time ago — possibly more than 100 years ago. Sources also say the man was arrested after a witness allegedly saw Dawe licking the bones.

The RNC's major crime unit, in consultation with the office of the chief medical examiner, determined earlier this week the partial skeleton was "quite old" and not connected to any current missing person cases. Police said they were also not concerned about any potential danger to the public.

Police confirmed human remains were located along the T’Railway, near Foxtrap, around 1 a.m. last Saturday, after they responded to a call for service in the area. Late in the evening there was still a heavy RNC presence in the Greeleytown Road area, with yellow police tape marking a grassy section next to the old rail bed and a spot near the T'Railway entrance.

The RNC's major crime unit is continuing its investigation in the case and is asking anyone with any information that might assist them to call police at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Information can also be provided anonymously online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

Twitter: @tara_bradbury

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