Police: Human remains in gator’s stomach

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say a 9-foot alligator found near a lake with a body in its mouth had human remains in its stomach.

Lakeland police spokesman Gary Gross said Wednesday that the remains found inside the alligator during a necropsy matched the body found in its mouth Tuesday.

Gross says detectives still don’t know if the unidentified man drowned or was killed by the gator. His body was decomposed, indicating he had been in the water a couple of days or longer. Police say determining the cause of death has been difficult.

Gross says detectives are gathering clothing and other items at Lake Hunter, hoping they will help determine the man’s identity.