In a shocking discovery on Chicago’s west side, a human head was found inside a box on Thursday evening, according to local reports. Authorities were called to the 2600 block of West Taylor Street shortly before 6 p.m. after a passerby stumbled upon the disturbing scene. The witness, who had been walking along the sidewalk, initially thought the box might contain a Halloween decoration. However, upon closer inspection, they realized the gruesome reality, as reported by NBC 5 Chicago.

The Chicago Police Department has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and how the head ended up in the box. In a brief statement, police confirmed the discovery, stating, “A man walking a dog on the sidewalk discovered a box containing an unknown victim’s remains.” The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office also confirmed it was notified of the remains, according to Fox 32.

Not the first incident this week

In an unsettling coincidence, this marks the second time in a week that human remains have been found in Chicago. Earlier in the week, the Illinois State Police reported that skeletal remains were discovered near the Kennedy Expressway at Webster Avenue. The identity of that victim remains unknown.

At this time, no further details have been provided by the Chicago Police Department. The investigation into both cases continues, leaving many questions unanswered as authorities work to piece together the grim discoveries.