Human Bones Found to Be 3,000 Years Old

Human remains found at the Texaco Refinery in Wilmington were identified as those of a small child who belonged to a 3,000-year-old Native American tribe, according to the coroner’s office.

Construction at the refinery was suspended last week when workers recovered what appeared to be a skull and several long bones while digging a trench. Texaco officials said the area had been paved for several decades.

Coroner’s spokesman Scott Carrier said the bones were part of an isolated burial and not an ancient burial ground. Beads representing status and money were discovered by an anthropologist working with the coroner’s office. Carrier said discovery of the beads helped trace the bones to the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe. He said the bones will be turned over to the Native American Heritage Assn.