Human Remains Discovered West of Hermann

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has launched an investigation after human remains were found in central Missouri.

The patrol said in a release Friday that a human bone fragment was found near the Missouri River. The patrol did not specify when the fragment was found or provide details about the remains.

Patrol Sergeant Kevin Hunter said the remains were found west of Hermann, he but said he could not be more specific. He said investigators are still working to determine whether the discovery warrants a criminal investigation.

Captain Sarah Eberhard, director of the patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control, said the patrol is investigating with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Gasconade County Sheriff's Office.