KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Update (1/7/22) The Knox County Sheriff's Office identified the human remains found off Andrew Johnson Highway on Dec. 25.
Officials identified them as Wesley Chitwood, 64. Through the initial investigation, it was determined Chitwood would frequent the area where the remains were found.
The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing.
Original Story
The Knox County Sheriff's Office said that it received a call about some possible human remains found at around 5 p.m. on Dec. 25.
It said the remains were found in East Knox County, off Andrew Johnson Highway. Detectives from the major crimes unit, forensic personnel and the Knox County Medical Examiners' office all processed the scene. Officials said that the remains were confirmed to be human.
However, authorities said that it was not clear what age the person was when they died, and they said they could not identify the gender or when the person passed away.
Officials said that the remains were taken to the Regional Forensic Center for more examination. the KCSO Major Crimes Unit will lead the investigation, according to a release from officials.
Additional information, such as the nature of the remains or how they were found, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.