Skull, possible human bones found in duffel bag on a Jarrettsville tract

A duffel bag containing a skull and what are believed to be three human bones was found in a Jarrettsville chicken coop yesterday, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

The bones, found in the 1400 block of Rock Ridge Road, are to be taken to the medical examiner's office today, said Sgt. Dave Betz, Harford County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

One of the bones contained markings of what appeared to be a stamp or writing, Betz said. Investigators are trying to determine whether the bones were used in an educational setting or whether a crime is involved.

"Right now, we are treating it like a crime scene, although we are not 100 percent sure yet," Betz said.

The duffel bag was found about 2 p.m. at the property, which was being cleaned out because of a pending auction, Betz said.

"It was clearly evident that the bag and bones had been there for a while, although I can't elaborate on the details," Betz said.

The chicken coop had been used as a shed, he said.

According to state records, the property is a 39,000-square-foot residential tract in northern Harford County.