Autopsy Confirms Human Remains Found in Trash Can, Police Working Leads

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- An autopsy confirms the discovery of human remains at a home in Springfield earlier this week.

Today the Springfield Police Department says the remains found in a trash can outside 1231 W. Edgewood are human, but it's still not clear if they belong to a male or female.

"SPD is pursuing investigative leads to determine if the decomposed body is male or female, although the preliminary investigation leads police to believe the remains are that of a female," said Cpl. Matt Brown in a statement. "In addition, the investigation has produced leads as to the possible identity of the victim."

The autopsy was conducted Thursday afternoon by the State Medical Examiner's Office in Columbia, Missouri.

"Forensic testing on the remains continues and these comparisons may take several months to complete," says Cpl. Brown.

Police say the Marionville Police Department contacted Springfield authorities Tuesday about possible human remains at the house.

Investigators, crime scene technicians and the Medical Examiner's Office were on scene for several hours collecting evidence, including the trash can found in the back yard.

The Marionville Police Department was just in the news last weekend following the fatal shooting of a man by a Marionville police officer. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating that shooting. The Patrol says Adam R. Bergseth, 37, was shot and killed by the officer Saturday when the officer responded to a call of a woman being held against her will.

Neighbors say Bergseth lived at the home on W. Edgewood, and there was a lot of partying at the home. Kristi Weidmamn says she's surprised an investigation would happen in the neighborhood.

"Kinda scary that something that like is happening. It kinda makes you go, 'Good thing you never went over there to party with them,' but nowadays I really don't think a lot of things shock me anymore. That stuff does happen like that you know."

The Greene County Medical Examiner isn't making the link; it has the remains and the investigation is ongoing.