BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Birmingham police are conducting a homicide investigation after human remains were found behind a home Monday.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, investigators from the BPD Crimes Against Persons Division and Tactical Operations Division executed a search warrant on a residence in the 1400 block of Brighton Road at around 5 p.m. Monday. Investigators found what appeared to be a fresh pile of compost/topsoil in the backyard of the residence.

Officers at the scene requested the assistance of a cadaver K9. The K9 alerted officers to the fresh compost pile in the backyard. After shoveling dirt off the pile, investigators observed what looked to be skeletal remains.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office arrived on the scene Tuesday and confirmed the skeletal remains were human. The coroner’s office took the remains.

The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office notified BPD homicide detectives Wednesday an examination of the remains determined the victim had been shot.

There is no one custody. Those who have information relating to the case are urged to call the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or submit anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.