Human remains found in 2 suitcases left at Palm Bay's The Compound, police say

PALM BAY, Fla. - A 19-year-old man is facing charges after human remains were discovered inside suitcases abandoned in a remote area of Palm Bay, police said.

Investigators said the discovery helped link the case to a recently reported missing person case reported out of Indialantic.

Where was the body found? 

What we know:

Authorities were notified about vultures surrounding an abandoned closed suitcase in the area of 1574 Bonbardier Boulevard on March 28, around 10:50 a.m. This is in an undeveloped 2,784-acre area in Palm Bay, known as "The Compound." 

Authorities said the suitcase was partially open, and officers detected an odor before confirming it contained human remains. A second suitcase found nearby also contained remains, along with personal belongings and a package addressed to Lucas Sander Jones, 19.

Investigators said the discovery helped link the case to Colie Lee Daniel, who had been reported missing on March 22 by the Indialantic Police Department.

Whose body was in the suitcase? 

Authorities have not officially confirmed whose body was found in either suitcase. However, Palm Bay Police said Jones was associated with Daniels – from Indialantic – who was previously reported missing. 

Police executed a search warrant at Jones’ home, where they made contact with Jones and his girlfriend. Authorities noted Jones had visible injuries, and he declined to speak with investigators.

In a statement to police, the girlfriend said she last saw Daniel on March 20 at Jones’ residence, appearing unconscious. She said Jones later told her Daniel had left the home. The following day, she said  Jones asked her to drive him to The Compound, where she saw him discard containers and other items.

Investigators said license plate reader data confirmed the vehicle’s presence in the area. 

During a search of the home, officers found blood stains and a knife similar to one recovered from a suitcase.

What's next:

Jones was arrested on March 28, facing several charges including, abuse of a dead human body, tampering with evidence and improper disposal of human remains. 

He's being held at the Brevard County Jail.