AUBURN, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the discovery of human bones found near a historic central New York cemetery.

Police in the city of Auburn says the remains were discovered Saturday in the backyard of a home that's adjacent to Fort Hill Cemetery, last resting place of such notable Americans as abolitionist Harriet Tubman and William Seward, Abraham Lincoln's secretary of state.

The Cayuga County coroner has confirmed that the bones are human. The remains have been taken to the medical examiner's office in neighboring Onondaga County for testing and to determine the number of people buried there.

Police say the case doesn't appear to be the result of any criminal activity.

Officials say they're looking into whether the remains could be from a burial site of inmates from the maximum-security state prison located in Auburn.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

 

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