The FBI has made a gruesome discovery in the home of 39-year-old James Nott, a Kentucky resident, as reported by the Independent.
Authorities found 40 human skulls, spinal cords, femurs, and hip bones which were used to decorate his apartment. During the visit, when asked if anyone else was present in his home, Nott chillingly responded, “Only my dead friends.”
Connection to Harvard Morgue Trafficking Scheme
Investigators have linked this macabre incident to the notorious Harvard morgue trafficking scheme. This illicit network involved the trafficking of human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School’s morgue. Evidence from Nott’s residence included a Harvard Medical School bag, further hinting at a possible connection. Interestingly, the initial investigation indicates that the body parts in Nott’s possession were not from the Harvard morgue, though Nott attempted to sell them to someone involved in the scheme.
Nott’s online activities revealed his involvement in the illegal human remains trade. His Facebook account showed that he used the pseudonym “William Burke” to purchase human remains through an online page. Messages exchanged with Jeremy Pauley, a Pennsylvania resident implicated in the Harvard morgue case, suggest that Nott also offered to sell the remains. The conversation indicated that Nott had shared images and videos of the human remains with Pauley, discussing their pending delivery and pricing.
The disturbing nature of this case has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation of the Harvard morgue trafficking scheme, which led to the charging of six people last month. Meanwhile, James Nott faces charges for the illegal sale of human parts and unlawful possession of a firearm.