Forensic Team Analyzing 17 Individuals So Far In Mass Grave Search At Oaklawn

Archaeologists are expanding their search for any 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims at Oaklawn Cemetery, while they work to study the remains they have already found in a mass grave.

In the first update the city has released since last Thursday, the state archaeologist announced there are now 17 sets of remains being studied at the onsite lab at Oaklawn. 

At last check, the team found a total of 29 individuals in the mass grave. 

The forensic team is looking for any information about each person, like gender, age, and any health issues. They are also looking for any signs of trauma, but the team has not given an update on if they have found any signs of trauma so far. 

State Archaeologist Dr. Kary Stackelbeck said last Thursday that the team was moving to the north. 

Tuesday, she said the team is now moving to the south. She also announced Tuesday that more burials were found but did not say how many. 

"We have exposed additional graves that we'll be giving attention to in the coming weeks and continue to make progress,” Stackelbeck said. 

After a rain delay Monday and cooler weather Tuesday, the team will be back in the heat working on Wednesday.