In a shocking incident, volunteers cleaning Lake Merritt in Northern California stumbled upon a suitcase floating in the water, only to find it filled with human remains. The discovery was made on Tuesday morning near the 1900 block of Lakeshore Avenue. The body, believed to be that of a man in his 30s, was found in a fetal position, according to Kevin Shomo, one of the volunteers from the Lake Merritt Institute.
Upon spotting the suitcase, the volunteers attempted to retrieve it but were surprised by its weight. After managing to bring it closer, they unzipped it and were horrified by the gruesome contents. The length of time the body had been inside the suitcase or in the water remains unknown. Authorities are now investigating the entry point of the suitcase into the lake.
Oakland police Captain Alan Yu stated that part of the investigation involves determining where the body might have floated from. With numerous possible outcomes, authorities are considering all areas of the lake. The police were immediately alerted after the volunteers discovered the body inside the suitcase.
While the body appeared to have visible injuries, the exact nature of these injuries has not been disclosed. The incident has left witnesses and residents shocked, particularly due to its occurrence near a popular wildlife refuge and jogging spot. Shana O’Shae, a resident, expressed her disbelief, stating, “Oakland definitely has its crime, but to see something this gruesome is quite shocking. It’s insanity.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the body or any surveillance footage showing suspicious activity in relation to the incident to come forward and contact the police department. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers to this disturbing discovery.
