Chelsea Police Seek Woman Who Donated Human Skull

Updated Feb. 4, 2026

Chelsea police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman who donated items to a local Goodwill store after what appeared to be a human skull was discovered among the donations.

According to the Chelsea Police Department, an officer on routine patrol was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Main Street after a suspicious item was reported at a donation drop-off location. The complainant told police they had found what appeared to be a human skull wrapped in a shirt while sorting donated items.

The officer took possession of the item and noted that there was no visible damage or uncharacteristic holes. The skull was secured as evidence and transported to the Chelsea Police Department.

Police consulted with the medical examiner’s office by phone, and the skull was subsequently turned over for further analysis. The case remains open as investigators work to determine the circumstances and origin of the item.

In a request for information released by the department, police said the skull appears to have been accidentally included with other donated items. Investigators are seeking to speak with the woman shown in surveillance photos from the donation area to confirm her decision and gather additional information related to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer T. Gilbreath at 734-475-9122, ext. 107, or by email at [email protected]  

Updated Feb. 4, 2026

Several Detroit media outlets have reported a statement from Goodwill that the skull was not human remains.

“An item was discovered in a donated tote at one of our assisted donation centers, which is a non-retail location,” said Rob Lipski, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland, in a statement. “As a precaution, staff immediately contacted local law enforcement. Authorities reviewed the item, confirmed it was an artifact and not unidentified human remains and have advised they will handle proper disposal. “We appreciate our team following established safety protocols and appropriately working with law enforcement.”

From the Chelsea Police Department

On January 26th, the Chelsea Police Department responded to a call from our local Goodwill store about the discovery of a possible human skull within donated clothing. The skull was collected and transported it to the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s office. After examining the skull, the Medical Examiner’s office believes that the skull is human and has been sent it to the Anthropology Department at the University of Michigan for further examination, which could take up to 90 days.

The Chelesea Police Department is working with our law enforcement partners to identify the person who dropped off the skull. They are described as a white female, in their late forties to early fifties, brown shoulder length hair. They were last seen wearing black pants, a black coat and sunglasses. A second person was observed as the driver to a dark gray four door SUV that the two left in and is described as a white female in her late forties to early fifties with shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ofc. T. Gilbreath at (734) 475-9122 ext. 107 or email him at [email protected].