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KELFORD – The Bertie County Sheriff Office is investigating a death after finding skeletal remains here today (Wednesday) in an abandoned residence.

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the remains are believed to be human.

He stated that Bertie deputies were dispatched to 107 Second Street, Kelford, and spoke with a person cleaning debris from the home that was destroyed by fire on June 21 of last year.

“The person reported that while cleaning the debris, they located the skeletal remains and contacted the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Ruffin stated.

Ruffin added that an investigation was conducted following the last year’s fire and the cause of the blaze was ruled as as accidental due to a short in the electrical system.

“At this time, my office along with the State Bureau of Investigation Arson Unit will be investigating to identify the skeletal remains and cause of death,” Ruffin said.

The identity of the skeletal remains are unknown, as well as the race and gender.

Ruffin stated that the remains have been removed for testing in an effort to identify the individual.

Ruffin said no other comments or updates will be released until the investigation has been completed.