Officers with the Charleston Police Department were dispatched to the Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant last week where they were shown a gruesome discovery.

Responding officers were shown two preterm babies that had been recovered from the wastewater.

Crime scene technicians and the Charleston County Coroner's office were called in to help with the investigation.

Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten said both fetuses appeared to be mid-trimester and very early in development. They were in the water for an unknown period of time.



A spokesperson with Charleston Water System says only things flushed or that end up down a drain find their way into the waste water system.

"Wastewater is an entirely different system from storm water and drinking water that you have at your taps," said Matt Brady with Charleston Water System.

Brady said it’s an unfortunate situation, and one they’ve never experienced before.

At this point, it's unclear how and why the remains ended up in the wastewater.

The Charleston Police Department is investigating and asks anyone with information contact Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200 and ask for the on-duty CPD detective.



We are working to get more information on this story. Check back with ABC News 4 on air and online for updates.







