Australian Police Close Homicide Probe After Lifelike Doll Mistaken for Human Remains

The discovery was made on Sunday in Oallen, a town about 200 km (125 miles) south-west of Sydney, when two members of the public found a dumped suitcase on the side of the road and opened it, finding what appeared to be human remains. Forensic examinations later determined that "the item located in the bag was a lifelike doll, wearing clothing, with hair and a nose piercing, police said in a statement on Monday. "The item also had markings that resembled bruises and grazes.

Police officers established a crime scene but did not examine the contents too closely. Superintendent Linda Bradbury said the contents had initially been mistaken for the remains of a human woman, adding that police "don't like to disturb remains too much in situ, particularly when we have faced inclement weather. The item was "very realistic in terms of looking like human remains, she said.

A couple out for a weekend drive made the discovery when they stopped for a break. Quite a shocking discovery for them, absolutely, Bradbury told Today.