Local News
Sevierville Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett Finds Human Teeth Emerging From Yard, Prompting Multi-Agency Investigation
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Sevierville resident has made a disturbing and highly unusual discovery on her own property, prompting an active investigation by multiple authorities after human teeth were found emerging from the ground.
Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett said the initial discovery occurred earlier this week when she noticed what appeared to be teeth visible in her yard.
She later found an additional tooth, bringing the total number recovered to eight.
Law enforcement has since become involved, and officials have confirmed that the remains are human.
According to Baggett, the discovery was made when she looked down and saw what appeared to be teeth protruding from the soil.
“By uncovered, I mean I looked down and there they were — literally sprouting from the earth,” she said.
The finding prompted an immediate response from authorities.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, along with forensic investigators, the medical examiner, a dental professional, and anthropologists, are now working collaboratively to determine the origin and age of the teeth.
Officials have stated that while the teeth are confirmed to be human, they appear to be old, though investigators have not yet determined their exact age or how long they may have been buried.
No conclusions have been drawn regarding whether the discovery is connected to criminal activity, historical remains, or another explanation.
Baggett said she has been informed that excavation work is expected, which may include digging into portions of her yard and driveway as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are continuing to examine the surrounding area for additional remains or evidence that could clarify how the teeth came to be located on the property.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details at this time.
Baggett has said she plans to continue sharing updates publicly as more information becomes available.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.