WELLSBURG, W.Va. — Authorities are examining hacked-up bones found hidden in a wall of a 19th century mansion in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.

Owner Gene Valentine says psychics became ill while visiting Aspen Manor in Wellsburg with a paranormal activity group. They sensed a spirit and followed a voice to the basement.

Behind the wall they found bones that Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson says had been chopped up, plus reading glasses, hair and other items.

The bones were sent to the state medical examiner to determine if they are human.

The mansion was built in 1895 by the Vandergrift family as a getaway that once featured an opium den, gambling and cockfights. Later, it became an assisted living home.

Valentine has turned it into a bed and breakfast.

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On the Net:

Aspen Manor: http://www.aspenmanorresort.com/