In a stunning and deeply unsettling development, dozens of human remains have been uncovered beneath a commercial construction site in El Cajon, sending shockwaves through the local community. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the discovery early Thursday morning, calling the situation “unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”
Construction crews working on a redevelopment project near Main Street unearthed what initially appeared to be fragments of old debris. Upon closer inspection, workers discovered skeletal remains, prompting an immediate halt to operations and a call to local authorities.
By midday, forensic teams had uncovered what appears to be multiple mass graves, containing at least 45 bodies, many believed to be decades old. Officials say the site spans nearly an acre and may date back to the 1980s—or earlier. Some remains show signs of trauma, and investigators have not ruled out foul play.
“This is one of the most shocking and potentially historic crime scenes we’ve encountered,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department. “We’re treating this as both a crime scene and a possible historic site. There are more questions than answers right now.”
The discovery has rattled El Cajon residents, many of whom live just blocks from the scene. Some longtime locals claim the land once belonged to a private institution with a controversial history, though officials have yet to confirm any links.
Local schools and businesses nearby have been advised to remain cautious as law enforcement maintains a tight perimeter around the site. Community leaders are demanding answers, and a town hall has been scheduled for the weekend.
As investigations intensify, federal agencies, including the FBI and forensic anthropologists, have joined the case. El Cajon now finds itself at the center of a potentially explosive mystery that could rewrite part of its history.