Human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) reservation property in Peshawbestown on Saturday afternoon, according to a press release from the GTB Tribal Police Department.
“This is a very sad and concerning situation for all involved,” said GTB Tribal Chairwoman Sandra Witherspoon. “We don’t know who it is… once we have the positive identification then that will be made public.”
The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Assisting the GTB Tribal Police Department are the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, and GTB Fire Department.
At this time, no additional information regarding the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death is being released. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and when its release will not compromise the investigation.
The GTB Tribal Police Department appreciates the assistance and cooperation of all agencies and personnel involved in this investigation, the press release from Aug. 8 stated.
“We’re just praying for whomever it might be and their family members… we want this situation to be handled with the utmost respect for all involved,” Witherspoon said.
Requests for comments from the GTB Tribal Police department and the FBI Traverse City office were not given by presstime.
