UPDATE | Police agencies discuss body found in shallow Shenango Township grave

SHENANGO TWP., Pa.

Pennsylvania State police, Sharon police and Shenango Township police are discussing at as news conference the discovery of human remains in a shallow grave on a property on Mercer West Middlesex Road.

Bones from one body were found in a shallow grave, police said, adding that they do not have an identification on the body. Police are keeping a lid on most details.

State police obtained a search warrant and are combing 35 acres after a tip that a person was buried there. A forensic anthropologist is on the scene. The remains have been taken to Erie for autopsy. A cause of death is not known but it is a homicide investigation, as foul play is suspected, authorities said.

The body was buried 42 to 48 inches deep. Police said the land owner is cooperating with authorities.

There is one missing person case locally, a man in his late 50s who went missing in late April or early May this year from the Sharon area. But police are not saying whether the remains are linked to the missing man.

The Mercer County coroner will release more details after the results from Erie are known.

Police said stolen items and firearms also were found on the property, likely tied to burglaries in the Mercer-Lawrence County area.

Police said anyone with information should call Shenango Township Police non-emergency number, 724-662-6110.