A significant development has emerged in the ongoing search for the graves of victims of the infamous 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, as a third set of remains with a gunshot wound has been discovered at a cemetery in Tulsa, according to a state official. The remains were unearthed in an area believed to be the final resting place of 18 Black men who were tragically killed during the massacre.

Oklahoma State archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck took to social media to announce the discovery, stating that the remains have been carefully exhumed and are currently undergoing analysis at the forensic lab situated at Tulsa's Oaklawn Cemetery. This latest finding follows the recent identification of remains belonging to World War I veteran C.L. Daniel from Georgia, using DNA obtained from his descendants.

Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield noted that while no gunshot wounds were found on Daniel's remains, they were fragmented, making it impossible to definitively determine the cause of death. The newly exhumed remains from the current search are among 40 graves that have been discovered, all of which meet the burial criteria prescribed for massacre victims based on historical records such as newspaper articles, death certificates, and funeral home documents.

Stackelbeck further explained that the three individuals whose remains have been exhumed were buried in adult-sized wooden caskets, which have now been transported to the on-site forensic facility for further examination. This discovery marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to honor and commemorate the victims of this horrific chapter in history.

Since the commencement of the search in 2020, over 120 graves have been unearthed, with forensic analysis and DNA collection carried out on approximately 30 sets of remains. The painstaking endeavor has shed light on the brutalities committed during the Tulsa Race Massacre, providing some closure and dignity to the victims and their descendants.

Taking into account the gravity of the tragic events that unfolded in 1921, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper have announced the establishment of a new committee. This committee will focus on exploring a range of reparations for survivors and descendants of the massacre, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting healing and restoration in the north Tulsa community, where the atrocity occurred.

As the search for the victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre continues, each new discovery serves as a haunting reminder of the painful history that must be acknowledged and reconciled. The commitment shown by both local officials and forensic experts in this endeavor offers hope for a more comprehensive understanding of the tragedy, and a chance to address the lasting impact it has had on the lives of survivors and their descendants.