The human remains discovered by a dog on an Indian reservation earlier this month were determined to be those of an adult woman who was "dismembered by human means," The Olympian reported.
Thurston County Sheriff's Sgt. Ray Brady said investigators are still uncertain of how the woman died.
On Nov. 5, a dog came across the remains in Nisqually Indian Reservation in Washington state.
"All the recovered pieces of bone, they weren't dismembered by animals," Brady said on Thursday. "There was more indication they were dismembered by human means."
He added that authorities are currently investigating the case as a homicide.
"Since day one we've been investigating the death as a homicide," he said. "I don't think this changes our investigation in any way, because we still don't know cause of death."
A forensic anthropologist in King County examined the discovered parts and announced more details on them Thursday, specifically the gender. Though it seems that she had light skin, her race -- along with her age and cause of death -- have yet to be determined.
The police officially began their investigation after receiving a call from a man who said his dog brought home a human leg days earlier.
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said he is prioritizing the identity and cause of death of the remains.
"We've got great dental," Warnock said, adding dental records may be helpful in identifying the woman.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or email Detective Jamie Gallagher at gallagj@co.thurston.wa.us.
