A complaint about possible animal cruelty led to the discovery of a human skull in a spiritual shop in the Los Angeles area, according to the Associated Press. Eight containers that may hold other human remains were also found with the skull, which were discovered on Friday at Omi Relekun in Compton, according to the LA Times.
Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Steve Katz said that police were called regarding a complaint from a woman about animal cruelty but discovered the human remains when they came to investigate, according to Fox News. The skull was found inside a pot alongside eight other similar containers, according to Fox News.
Katz told reporters that there is no evidence of homicide and it currently seems as if the skulls were purchased legally, according to Fox News. Skeletal remains may be purchased leaglly under certain conditions.
"There is nothing sinister here," Katz told the LA Times, "The skull and possible eight other skulls in vessels were being used in Santeria. The question is were the skeletal remains acquired appropriately."
Santeria is an Afro-Carribbean religion that has its roots in Yoruba beliefs and has links with Catholicism. It is practiced in many different parts of the world and sometimes involves animal sacrifice, which is permitted to U.S. followers of Santaria as part of their religious freedom.
Omi Relekun is located on a strip mall on the 1500 block of North Long Beach Boulevard and describes itself as a spiritual shop and school, according to the Daily Mail. The other remains found at the scene are currently being identified by authorities to confirm that they were acquired legally, according to the LA Times.
