2 Bodies Found Near Hyattsville Church

HYATTSVILLE, Md. - Two skeletal remains have been found on an abandoned nine-acre horse farm in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Prince George's County Police say a confidential informant with very detailed led them to a property owned by a church and next to Rosa Parks Elementary School. Police say the property is owned by Mount Zion Church.

"The source is very credible because the source led us to the bodies. I mean it was in heavy brush. It's not a place you would just to happen upon," said Major Andy Ellis, a spokesman for Prince George's County Police.

Even with directions from the informant, it was not an easy find. The area is filled with thick woods and overgrown grass and shrubs. Heavy equipment was used to clear the area.

Neighbors say it's used by homeless people.

Debbie Cozier has lived across the street from the old horse farm for the last 15 years. It's been abandoned, she says, and has been a haven for vagrants.

"I sit out here at midnight and see a lot of drunk and homeless guys going thru the fence and sleeping out there," said Cozier.

The two decomposed bodies were found in the ground.

"These bodies were buried. We actually had to dig them out. It's unlikely it would have just been a squatter that died," said Maj. Ellis.

Homicide detectives have been brought in because it's highly likely this could turn to a double-murder case. For now, investigators are waiting for the medical examiner to determine how the two people died.

Authorities have not even been able to determine their sex or age. The first task is to identify the bodies.

"As part of our investigation, we'll check missing person cases. Presumably there are two people missing that we've now located their bodies," said Maj. Ellis

FOX 5 tried to reach owners of the property tonight, but our attempts were unsuccessful.

Neighbors are worried. Some say young people hang out there, too. Gang scribbling is on the fence.

"I just pulled in from work and saw the commotion. And pretty quiet usually. Not a bunch going on. It's shocking and little scary. Trying to see what's going on," said one neighbor.

Another nearby resident said, "Its there a long time and all those bushes over there, and the school is close by. They should get rid of the bushes and get this place cleaned up. It's too dangerous."
Ellis said the information was gained through good police work.

"Police as part of our crime strategy speak with confidential informants. One of our detective developed info from informant that led us to this discovery," explained Maj. Ellis.