Remains of Fetus Mysteriously Wash Ashore on Miami Beach in What Police Call a 'Unique' Case

Miami Beach police said a beachgoer spotted the remains Tuesday afternoon, per local media reports

<p>Getty</p> Miami Beach

Getty

Miami Beach
  • The remains of a fetus were found on Miami Beach on Tuesday, according to police

  • Police say “there are a lot of unknowns” that remain in the “unique” case

  • A death investigation has been opened

Police in Florida say an investigation has been opened after the remains of a fetus washed ashore.

Miami Beach police said they were called to the scene after a beachgoer spotted the remains on Tuesday afternoon, according to ABC affiliate WPLG and USA Today.

The remains were removed from the site a short time later, WSVN reported.

Footage from NBC affiliate WTVJ appeared to show authorities removing the remains from a closed-off area with a shovel.

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A death investigation has been opened following the discovery.

Miami Beach Police Department Officer Christopher Bess said “there are a lot of unknowns” that remain in the “unique” case.

“We don’t know what the mother’s part, if she played a part in this,” Bess said, per NBC affiliate WTVJ.

The Miami Beach Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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The medical examiner will now assess the remains to determine as much information about the fetus as possible, per the reports.

"Honestly, due to the elements, it's a beach with saltwater, sand... the medical examiner's office will have to help us with this," Bess said, per USA Today.

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Beachgoers were stunned by the discovery, according to WSVN. One person described it as “horrible” and “horrifying,” while another called it “shocking.”

Anybody with information about the recently-discovered remains is asked to contact Miami Beach police.

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