Utah human remains not ancient, says anthropologist in search for missing mom Susan Powell

(CBS/AP) DELTA, Utah - Authorities investigating the disappearance of Utah mother Susan Powell say remains found in the Utah desert are not those of Indians or early settlers.

Pictures: Missing Utah mother Susan Powell

West Valley City Police Lt. Bill Merritt says a federal anthropologist called to the scene to examine the remains found Wednesday were in fact more recent. However, Merritt could not say exactly how recent.

They continue to investigate.

Susan Powell was last seen in December 2009.

The remains were discovered by cadaver dogs in the rugged desert terrain around Topaz Mountain in Juab County. The site is about 135 miles southwest of Powell's West Valley City home, where she was last seen.

The mother of two children was last seen in December 2009 in West Valley City. Powell's husband, Josh Powell, is a person of interest in the case.

Complete coverage of the Susan Powell case on Crimesider