$250k bond set for man accused of discarding human remains

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) — Bond has been set at $250,000 for a man accused of discarding human remains believed to have been used for medical research in remote areas of central Arizona.

Walter Harold Mitchell had his initial appearance Wednesday in the Prescott Justice Court. He appeared via video from the Yavapai County jail a day after he was arrested in metropolitan Phoenix.

Authorities say they tied Mitchell to the body parts that included limbs and severed heads through tags and medical gauze that were found along with the remains.

A judge appointed a public defender for Mitchell. The Yavapai County Public Defender’s Office declined to say whether anyone there is representing Mitchell, citing office policy, and did not respond to a follow-up email Wednesday from The Associated Press.

Authorities said Mitchell moved to Arizona from Washington state earlier this year.