Remains not Steven Smith's

LAFAYETE, Ind. (WLFI) - Capt. Bruce Biggs of the Lafayette Police Department released this statement:

"Over the last 48 hours the LPD and WLPD have been investigating a case involving the discovery and subsequent recovery of human skeletal remains in West Lafayette near the West Lafayette Sewage Treatment Plant. The LPD became involved in the investigation because of the possible link to the disappearance of Steven Smith in December 2008."

"Positive identification of the skeletal remains is pending and the investigation continues. LPD is now assisting the West Lafayette Police Department in this investigation. The change in status of the LPD investigation is based upon the findings in this case so far. At this point in the investigation, the LPD believes that the skeletal remains are unlikely to be related to the disappearance of Steven Smith."

West Lafayette Police Lieutenant Troy Harris says they are one step closer to identifying the the remains.

He says investigators found an I.D. card in the area where the remains were found, and are working to confirm if the remains are that person.

Harris also says they have learned for the forensic pathologist in Indianapolis, that the skull belongs to a male.

Stay tuned to News Channel 18 and WLFI.com for the latest developments.