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Human remains found in bag in west Phoenix alley identified

Police responded to a call of "unknown trouble" where the caller could smell a foul odor coming from a bag.

PHOENIX — Detectives are investigating after human remains were found in a bag near 39th Avenue and McDowell Road on June 28, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Police said officers responded just before 2:30 p.m., Wednesday to a call of "unknown trouble" where the caller could smell a foul odor coming from a bag.

When officers arrived, they found a bag in an alley that contained possible human remains which were determined to be a dismembered body, police said. 

Officials later confirmed the victim to be 34-year-old Jose Gutierrez.

Officers were called the day prior for a similar call but did not find anything suspicious. 

No suspect information has been released and details about what led up to the incident are still under investigation. 

Anyone with information can contact the Phoenix Police Department, or Silent Witness (480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish). 

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Silent Witness: 

Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities. 

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media. 

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous. 

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case. 

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. 

Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here. 

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