Dropping water levels at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada have revealed a barrel with human remains tied to an apparent murder possibly dating to the 1970s.
"We believe this is a homicide as a result of a gunshot wound," said Lt. Ray Spencer, who works in the Homicide Section for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
A release Tuesday from the department said detectives "believe the victim was killed sometime in the mid-70s to early '80s, based on clothing and footwear the victim was found with. Investigators are currently working to identify the victim."
The Southwest's long-running drought has dropped water levels in both Lake Powell upstream and Lake Mead to their lowest levels since the reservoirs first started filling decades ago.
National Park Service rangers found the barrel Sunday evening.
Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@Ivmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
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