Kayla Williams / News reporter

MINDEN TWP., Minn. — Human remains were found in Minden Township on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the remains were found along a wooded property regularly used as a camp area by homeless individuals.

Around 9:15 p.m., a person who was on the property notified the St. Cloud Police Department about the remains. However, St. Cloud officers determined they were outside of city limits, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office would need to be involved.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office then took over the investigation. Deputies secured the scene and obtained a search warrant for the property.

Upon entering the property, Benton County detectives and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Scene Team searched the area, collecting potential evidence and the human remains to find the identity of the individual and the cause of death.

The results of the evidence found indicated that the remains had been at this location “for a substantial period of time,” according to a media release from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s not believed there is any threat to the public at this time. Updates on the investigation will be shared as they become available.