THE HOME at 15 Lakeshore Drive was surrounded by crime scene tape yesterday as Wakefield Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office investigated the discovery of human remains behind a shed in the rear of the property. (Mark Sardella Photo)

Published in the June 18, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Wakefield Police Department are investigating the apparent discovery of human bones on residential grounds in Wakefield.

At 10:24 a.m. Monday, a landscaper working at 15 Lakeshore Drive located what appeared to be human bones, shoes and clothing under some brush behind a shed located in the back yard of the residence.

The preliminary investigation suggests the remains had been outside for an extended period of time. Due to the condition of the remains, a cause of death and identity are not immediately available.

The brick Colonial style home was recently sold and has reportedly been vacant for several months. It was surrounded by yellow crime scene tape yesterday. Even as police detectives conducted their investigation, roofers working on the structure continued going about their business.

Lakeshore Drive is a cul-de-sac off Main Street across from Lake Quannapowitt. Number 15 is the largest of the nine homes on the street, sitting on an 18,000 square-foot lot at the at the end of the cul-de-sac, facing toward the Lake. The Wakefield Assessor’s Department lists the property value at $1,024,800.

In recent years, the home at 15 Lakeshore Drive had been rented and used as a sober house. Just over a year ago, Wakefield Police reported that a 53-year-old man had gone missing from the sober house.

TV news helicopters hovering near the the area of Beebe’s Cove yesterday morning were the first inkling that many local residents had that something was going on. Boston TV news crews were staked out on the small residential street for most of the afternoon yesterday, but detectives from Wakefield PD and State Police attached to the District Attorney’s Office were saying little to the press about the investigation.

“We appreciate the patience and assistance of members of the public today as this investigation is conducted,” Chief Skory said. “At this time, we do not believe there is any danger to the community.”

Wakefield Police said today that, pending identification of the remains, detectives were looking into all options as part of their investigation.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is also involved in the case.