FBI Discovers 40 Human Skulls and Spinal Cords Used as 'Decorations' in Kentucky Home Raid

FBI Discovers 40 Human Skulls and Spinal Cords Used as 'Decorations' in Kentucky Home Raid 

On Tuesday, a Kentucky resident named James Nott was taken into custody following an FBI operation that uncovered numerous human remains and skulls repurposed as macabre decorations throughout his residence, authorities disclosed.

40 Human Skulls, Spinal Cords, and More Found Inside Kentucky Man's Home

The investigation into James Nott, a 40-year-old from Mt. Washington, Kentucky, was initiated by the FBI in connection with a probe into firearms and the trafficking of human remains. Upon approaching Nott's home on Tuesday, law enforcement officials inquired about other occupants, to which he disturbingly responded, "Only my dead friends."

Reports from WDRB revealed that the FBI found approximately 40 human skulls, spinal cords, femurs, and hip bones within Nott's residence. Shockingly, the skulls were utilized as ornamental pieces around his furniture and home, with one even adorned with a head scarf and another discovered in Nott's bed.

Aside from the human remains, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, a .38 revolver, and ammunition from Nott's residence. Additionally, WLKY, a local news outlet, reported the discovery of black powder primers, electric blasting caps, a detonation cord, and inert grenade components. The FBI disclosed that Nott had advertised the sale of remains on his public Facebook page the previous month. Investigations further revealed Nott's prior communication with an individual in Pennsylvania who possessed human organs and had affiliations with others engaged in selling human remains.

Among those connected to this network was Cecil Lodge, a morgue manager associated with the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program. Lodge, too, was reportedly exploiting Facebook for the illicit trade of stolen remains. The FBI's awareness of Lodge stemmed from information provided by a Pennsylvania man, who divulged details about a network involved in the sale and transportation of human remains.

James Nott appeared before the Western District of Kentucky on Tuesday for his initial hearing and underwent a detention hearing on Wednesday. Presently, the sole charge stemming from this investigation is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years if Nott is convicted. The case is under joint investigation by the FBI and the Mt. Washington Police Department.

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