SAN ANTONIO -- The remains of more than a dozen people have been found buried on the grounds of Mission San Juan.
Archaeologists confirmed the skeletal remains of at least 15 people, mostly infants and children, were discovered buried in front of the mission's church from early spring through mid-summer of this year. They say there may be remains of as many as 20 people there.
The Old Spanish Missions of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, which was about to begin a project to stabilize the foundation of the church, sent in the archaeologists first because they suspected the property could be the site of an ancient burial ground.
Ramon Vasquez, the Executive Director of the organization "American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions," told News 4 WOAI he wants to make sure the remains are properly handled.
Father David Garcia, who is the director of the Old Spanish Missions, stated they are following an established protocol that calls for archaeologists to excavate and analyze any remains and return them to mission officials. Father Garcia said they then work with Native American officials to conduct any appropriate services before the remains are buried at another site at the mission.
