Family finds human remains inside suitcases after New Zealand storage unit auction

Human remains have been found stuffed inside multiple suitcases after an unsuspecting family purchased items from an abandoned storage unit.

Human remains found in suitcases at an Auckland home were unknowingly taken there following the sale of goods in a storage locker – and may be from multiple victims, according to reports.

The remains were reportedly found in suitcases that had been sold to a family as part of a storage locker auction last week.

“I feel sorry for the family because they’ve got nothing to do with it. And whoever did do it, come on, front up. It’s a bit unfair, bro. It’s horrific, f***ing scary,” neighbour Shelton Honana told Newshub.

A police source quoted in the TV report said there might be multiple victims involved, but so far investigators have not confirmed this, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Police launched a homicide investigation last week after the remains were found at a property in the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa.

Guard officers, a police car, and specialist search group were seen outside the property. Picture: New Zealand Herald/Supplied

Earlier, investigators had said the occupants of the address were not believed to be involved in the homicide.

In a statement last week, Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said the discovery was made after the residents took “unowned property” to their address.

Newshub reported that a trailer-load of property was picked up from the storage unit after a family won an auction for items that had been left abandoned.

The remains were then reportedly found in suitcases after they were transported to the family’s home.

Earlier, two hearses were seen leaving the property. Picture: New Zealand Herald/Supplied

It is understood the discovery was made after the family bought a number of items at an abandoned storage unit auction. Picture: New Zealand Herald/Supplied

In a statement to the Herald, a police spokesperson would not confirm media reports.

“As we’ve previously said, we appreciate there is a large public interest, however, there are still a number of inquiries to be carried out before police can comment further.”

The police said the current priority is to identify the deceased “so that we can establish the full circumstances behind the discovery”.

“However, we are still awaiting the completion and results of the post-mortem examination so we are unable to comment,” the spokesperson said.

This article previously appeared on the New Zealand Herald and has been republished with permission