Slidell, La. -(WGNO)- The Slidell Police department made a gruesome discovery while serving a warrant at a home on Woodcrest Drive.
Officers raided the home on Tuesday after a tip from a concerned citizen.
Once inside the home, they discovered human skulls and bones, animal bones and dried blood inside of a large cast iron bowl that was surrounded by candles and other ritualistic materials.
Detectives believe the blood to be animal blood.
They believe that 31-year-old Joshua Roques, who lived in the home, was sacrificing animals as some sort of ritual.
The St. Tammany Coroner’s office believes that the human bones were stolen from a grave and not related to a homicide.
Police are now on the hunt for Roques, who fled the home before the raid.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Roques for the following crimes:
- Interring or cremating human remain
- Unlawful disposal of remains
- Opening graves ; stealing body
- Mutilating, disinterring human remains
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Slidell Police chief Randy Smith released the following statemet:
“To say this is disturbing, is truly an understatement and very unusual for our community. We’re anxious to speak with the suspect and are asking for the public’s help in locating him so we can continue investigating this bizarre set of circumstances.”
Police would like your help in locating Roques, who is described as 6’6″ tall, bald headed, 170lbs.
He may be driving a 2004 Infinity G35 with a Louisiana license plate # WLX176.
He is believed to be hiding in the New Orleans area and may be trying to flee the state.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Joshua Roques, please call the Slidell Police Department at 985-643-3131 or Crimestoppers 504-822-1111.