Crews start excavating possible Tulsa Race Massacre victims

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Workers have begun excavating remains of possible Tulsa Race Massacre victims.

Searchers so far have found 27 bodies in a Tulsa cemetery.

Oklahoma State Archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck said Tuesday that excavation of four bodies is beginning. Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield said a skeletal analysis of the remains will likely begin Wednesday in an effort to determine if the remains are victims of the massacre.

Stackelbeck also said the number of remains found now stands at 27, up from 20 discovered as of last week in Oaklawn Cemetery.

The 1921 massacre occurred when a white mob descended on the Black section of Tulsa. Up to 300 people may have died although the exact number is unknown.