Scientist: 'Finger' was neither human nor animal

[August 08, 2009]  BRIELLE, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities say a human finger wasn't dropped on a deck at the Jersey shore after all. A forensic anthropologist has determined the object, which resembled a decaying finger with an acrylic french-manicured nail, is neither human nor animal.

Brielle police were called July 30 after a homeowner made the discovery. Officials suspected it may have been dropped by a bird.

The Monmouth County medical examiner could not verify whether the object was a human finger.

State Police Sgt. Stephen Jones says a forensic anthropologist X-rayed it and determined it was made of an unidentified substance.

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Information from: Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com

[Associated Press]

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