WILSON — Investigators in Wilson are searching for answers in a gruesome discovery.

A resident discovered a human skull and bones in a wooded area near East Nash Street. Investigators say the bones are those of an adult, but do not know whether they are male or female.

Officials say there are no obvious signs of murder. The bones could belong to a victim of violence, a missing person or a homeless person who died of natural causes.

Officials say what is unusual is that the bones were found just a few yards from East Nash Street and Ward Boulevard -- two of the busiest streets in Wilson.

"Well it was approximately 150 yards off the roadway. It's in a semi-isolated area and you would not pay it any mind unless you walk upon it like he did yesterday," says Lt. Carlton Turnage of the Wilson Police Department.

Police say they don't know much right now, but are searching missing persons lists and are trying to identify the person and the cause of death. They say the bones do not appear to match any local missing persons cases.

Police and neighbors are surprised no one had noticed the bones, which officials estimate may have been in the woods for four to six months.

The SBI is helping in the investigation.