Forensic scientists are trying to determine whether bones found in a house in north-central Pennsylvania are human.

State police say a contractor discovered the skeletal remains - and a knife - Thursday under the floorboards of a house in Point Township, Northumberland County.

The Daily Item reports that the home was once rented by Joseph "Mike" Egan, a former Sunbury police chief who was a suspect in the 1989 disappearance of 30-year-old Barbara Miller of Sunbury.

Egan told police he had dropped Miller off at a Milton bar to meet friends and attend a wedding.

Deputy Coroner James Gotlob says he can't confirm whether the bones are human or animal.

Police Sgt. Josh VanKirk says the remains have been sent to a forensics lab for testing.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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