The discovery of bones wrapped in a tarp in Chelmsford earlier this year led to a coordinated investigation by emergency responders. But upon further investigation, officials discovered that there was no crime committed – it was the burial shroud of a family pet. The discovery took place July 8 by contractors working on foundation repairs at a residence in the community. Uncovered during foundation repairs “Contractors located a suspicious item while digging near the rear of the residence during foundation repairs,” Sudbury police said in an item ahead of the Sept. 16 police services board meeting. “Members of the criminal investigation division and forensics attended the scene, secured the area and maintained scene isolation. Investigators also consulted with a pathologist and forensic anthropologist to support the examination of the item.” The bones were wrapped in a tarp, and investigators “carefully and methodically dug around the tarp until it was freed.” “A pathologist attended the scene to examine the contents,” the police report said. “A deceased pet dog was located inside the tarp, and the previous homeowner confirmed the dog had been buried at that location.”
