Memphis Police: Remains of 3 children found in drainage area

Police in Memphis, Tennessee, say they have recovered the remains of three children between 3 and 7 years old. 

At a press conference Wednesday, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis said the investigation began on March 8, when officers responded to an anonymous caller who reported a possible human skull near a wooded area. Here’s the latest: 

Human remains found

Davis said officers found the human skull that night and started a more extensive search the next day when it was no longer dark. 

MORE: Shreveport, Louisiana shooting: 8 children killed in ‘domestic disturbance’

Canine units led them to a nearby drainage pipe, indicating there could be more human remains. Investigators used cameras to assess the drainage system and found what appeared to be another skull. On April 2, search teams located an additional 14 bones "consistent with human remains."

Davis said the medical examiner’s office determined the remains belong to three children between the ages of 3 and 7. Davis said the remains are believed to be "a few" years old. 

What we don't know:

Police have not yet been able to identify the children or how they died. 

What they're saying:

"We understand that this information is very difficult and deeply concerning to all of us," Davis said. 

MORE: Shreveport, Louisiana survivors escaped via the roof and called 911: police

"Somebody knows where these children have come from," she continued. "Someone knows of missing children that we have discovered in this area. This is heartbreaking, it's disturbing. And at this time, we have numerous resources to help us to identify these young people and bring closure to this investigation."