Discovery in Home May Be Human Parts

Seven jars containing what authorities believe may be human body parts were discovered at an abandoned home in the San Bernardino County community of Highland, coroner’s officials said Thursday.

While removing debris and trash from the home Wednesday, county housing code enforcement officers called authorities after discovering a strong chemical odor.

Firefighters discovered the jars in the house, including at least one jar believed to contain a human hand, said Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Robin Haynal.

The home was owned by Larry Webster, 64, who abandoned the property several years ago, Haynal said. Authorities want to question Webster, who is believed to live out of state.

“We’re not really looking at it now as a crime,” Haynal said. “We, of course, would like to talk to Mr. Webster about the jars.”

The jars were taken to the coroner’s office, where they were expected to be examined by today to determine if the remains were human.

Neighbors described Webster as an eccentric, whom they hadn’t seen in more than a decade.

“He was always mixing chemicals inside his garage, and he dug a 5-foot trench inside the garage,” said former neighbor Jack Bond.