PD: Landscapers find remains buried in Phoenix backyard

PHOENIX - Police confirm the remains of at least one person were found Tuesday buried in a Phoenix backyard.

Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said landscapers discovered the remains around 1:45 p.m. buried outside the home near 16th Street and Indian School Road.

The landscapers told officers they felt the box while digging, cut into the box, started to smell the remains and decided to call police.

Air15 video showed crews digging in the yard as investigators watched from nearby.

At around 10 p.m., Air15 was live over the house as investigators pulled a wooden box out of the backyard.

Phoenix police told ABC15 they are transporting the box to the Medical Examiner's office for further investigation.

Officers said the box is 3 feet wide, "really deep" and was buried about a foot deep in the ground.

It is unclear if the remains belong to more than one person, according to Thompson.

Neighbors tell ABC15 a man who previously lived at the home has a criminal past.

Allan Champagne, 42, was indicted for first degree murder and aggravated assault in March 2012.

Champagne and a 21-year-old woman were arrested at the home on March 3, 2012 after a long standoff with police SWAT teams . His trial is set to begin April 18.

Police said the home was recently sold to a new homeowner who was doing extensive renovation work when the Tuesday discovery was made.