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Autopsy conducted for remains found in storage unit, but identifying the body could take a while

The renter of the unit originally claimed that the smell derived from a dead opossum. But when asked to open a box, they told deputies that there was a body.

KNOX COUNTY, Ill. — Authorities are still investigating Monday after an odor complaint led to the discovery of human remains in a Maquon storage unit on Saturday. 

An autopsy was conducted Monday morning on the remains, however, the Knox County Sheriff's Office said they won't be able to identify them until DNA results or dental records can be confirmed. 

"It'll be quite a while before we get all of the results back from that autopsy," Sgt. Brad Davis with the Knox County Sheriff's Office said. "But as for now ... we're just still doing the backgrounds and just working on beginning the investigation."

Around 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, Knox County deputies responded to Robert Self Storage on 105 East 3rd St. in Maquon for a complaint of a suspicious odor. 

Responding deputies met with the manager of the storage facility and also the renter of the storage unit where the smell was coming from. The renter of the unit unlocked and opened the unit for deputies, and claimed that the smell was from an opossum that had previously died in the unit.

Deputies asked the renter to open a large box that was sitting in the unit. The renter did not open the box, but informed deputies that there was a body inside of it. 

The renter of the storage unit was detained, then taken to a local hospital for medical reasons. Due to medical conditions, no charges have been filed at this time but are pending further investigation.

The deceased individual has not yet been identified pending notification of the family.

Maquon is a small village of 218 people located just southeast of Galesburg.

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