Part of human bone found in Cornwall cemetery; grounds sealed for investigation

An entrance to St. Columban's Cemetery is closed with police tape on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

CORNWALL – St. Columban’s Cemetery has been cordoned off a second day Friday after part a human bone was found within the cemetery grounds.

Police say the disturbing discovery was made on Thursday.

“We have been consulting with a Forensic Anthropologist and the Regional Coroner’s Office. The investigation has determined the bone to be human,” CPS spokesman Stephanie MacRae told Cornwall Newswatch.

MacRae says it was found within the cemetery grounds but could not say whether it was found at a grave site.

An undercover police minivan is parked inside St. Columban’s Cemetery on Eleventh Street West in Cornwall, Ont. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 while yellow police tape closes off both entrances. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

A witness says a police forensics unit was on the scene most of Thursday conducting work inside the cemetery grounds.

The scene was held overnight by an undercover police minivan while both entrances were roped off with police tape. Investigators are back on the scene today (Friday).

“The CPS can confirm that no foul play is suspected and there is no threat to public safety,” MacRae said. She characterized the activity as a “standard investigation.”