Human skull stolen from ancient burial site in southern Utah

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Human skull stolen from ancient burial site in southern Utah
MJ Jewkes
Mon, December 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM EST
1 min read


KANAB, Utah (ABC4) — Archeologists are seeking for the public’s help after a human skull was illegally removed from an ancient burial site.

In January 2025, investigators with the Utah Attorney General’s became aware of the theft after viewing social media posts, prompting a search of the site East of Kanab.

“I don’t understand what makes a person think that this is okay in any realm,” Joel Boomgarden, lead archaeologist with the Trust Lands Administration, said. “You would not go to a cemetery in Salt Lake City and go into someone’s grave.”

Investigators are offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. However, the exact location of the theft is not being released at this time.

“The theft of human remains from a burial site is a crime and violation of human dignity,” Michelle McConkie, executive director of TLA, said.

Boomgarden says the skull is estimated to be about 1,700 years old.

“These folks either had to know that it was there, or they had to go digging for it,” he said. “They definitely uncovered it. It was not on the surface.”

Crews were able to visit the archaeological site and confirmed that the skull had been removed.

“There’s a lot more involved with the site than just the human remains,” Boomgarden added.

“This act not only breaks the law — it is disrespectful to those who lived here long before us and the scientific integrity of Utah’s archaeological record,” McConkie added.

Those with information that could be helpful to the investigation are asked to contact investigators at 801-538-5113 or via email at aginvestcomplaints@agutah.gov.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/human-skull-stolen-ancient-burial-175539050.html