Skull fragment found on local farm
Experts believe bones are Chumash

The Ventura County medical examinercoroner's office determined that bones found on a farm between Camarillo and Oxnard late last month are American Indian.

The front facial portion of a human skull and possible leg bone were found around 8 a.m. on Sept. 17 at Conroy's Farm, near the intersection of Santa Clara and Central avenues, said Capt. Jerry Hernandez of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The medical examinercoroner's office concluded the bones were an American Indian artifact and notified the Native America Heritage Commission.

Larry Myers, commission spokesperson, said his agency notified the person who's most likely the descendant of the deceased Chumash Indian last week and gave them contact information for the property owner.

Myers said state law requires a coroner to notify his agency when remains found outside of a cemetery are determined to be American Indian. The commission locates the person believed to be the most likely descendant of the deceased based on its records of native ancestry.

Myers said he did not know how old the bone fragments were.

- Michelle Knight