Construction workers digging up a driveway in rural Poland made a horrifying discovery when they uncovered the remains of 32 human fetuses buried on the property, according to reports.
The remains were found Friday at a home in Lutoryż, a village near the city of Rzeszow. Polish media reported that the property once belonged to a 57-year-old pathologist identified as Magdalena H.
Authorities allege the remains had been taken from a hospital and used by the pathologist for unauthorized “scientific” experiments at her home, according to TVP World.
The current owners of the five-acre property, described as a young couple, had recently purchased the land from Magdalena and started renovations. They reportedly had no idea what was buried beneath the driveway.
Once the remains were discovered, the quiet village quickly became a major crime scene.
Investigators set up tents across the property as forensic teams in white protective suits and masks searched the land for more evidence.
Magdalena H. was detained Friday in Zamość, a city in eastern Poland.
Authorities said the grisly discovery included human remains and a large amount of medical waste.
“As established so far, these items were found during earthworks on the property,” prosecutor Krzysztof Ciechanowski said, according to the outlet. “Among the waste there was also a human fetus and other remains that could constitute human fetuses in an early stage of development or their fragments.”
Magdalena H. allegedly told prosecutors she removed the fetuses from a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and used them for medical research at her home, Polish Radio Eska reported.
Authorities allege the remains were later placed into sacks and buried on the property.
Neighbors described the woman as private and mysterious.
“I don’t even know what this woman does. I knew her by sight,” one villager said, according to The US Sun.
Another resident said she “was a bit strange.”
Investigators believe the remains may have been buried to avoid disposal costs.
Magdalena H. now faces charges including desecration of human remains and illegal disposal of hazardous medical waste. Authorities said the waste included tubes, containers and microscope slides.
If convicted, she could face up to 12 years in prison.
