The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office has identified the human remains found at a rural Lexington farmstead Monday as that of 37-year-old Jose Hernandez.

Chief Dep. Sheriff Mike Hudson says the preliminary results of the autopsy has ruled the manner of death as homicide due to blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

Investigators believe Hernandez had ties to the Lexington area but, were unsure where he had been residing at the time of death.

A timeline for when the death occurred is still under review.

Hudson says Hernandez’s remains were found outside on the farmstead and under a pile of wooden pallets and fencing materials.

The investigation into the case continues.as found.