Horrified Family Discovers Children's Bodies Inside Suitcases in 'Storage Wars' Type Auction

A family has been left disturbed and upset after the discovery of suitcases, bought in a "Storage Wars" type of auction in New Zealand, which turned out to be filled with human bodies. The remains were that of children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old.

According to the New York Post, the family called the police after opening the suitcases, which had been included in the storage trailer they won at an auction. The said auction was a blind buy, meaning they could only see what was inside after paying for it.

Investigations into the human remains are ongoing, and the police have not yet divulged the exact number of bodies. Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said they would have to identify the remains first to establish a clearer detail of what transpired in this suitcase mystery murder.

In a statement, the police acknowledged that this would be a complex and time-consuming process; thus, they will only release details when they have conducted a thorough and accurate probe.

Neighbors said the stench was wafting all over the property

The family was sorting through the storage trailer when the decomposing bodies' stench started wafting on their property. The neighbors said they could smell the foul odor on their street. One neighbor, who works in a crematorium, told Stuff that he instantly knew what the smell was.

A forensic tent was set up on the family's property on Monday, August 15. Shelton Honana, who also lives on the street, said that she feels sorry for the family, who found the bodies but had nothing to do with the murders. He said that they went through such a horrific experience.

Reports cited that the family has temporarily moved to a relative's house nearby. Another relative has been staying over to see through the forensic team's needs and look after the property as the media have swarmed it.

He said his relatives are "doing all right" but prefer not to face the media. The police offered counseling for them.

Bodies were likely dead for years

Meanwhile, Vaaelua issued another update Thursday, August 18, to say that the bodies were of kids between 5 to 10 years old, per the New Daily. Forensics suggested they had been dead for many years before the discovery. Police are working out with Interpol to trace the victim's relatives.

Safe Store Ltd, the storage company that ran the auction, also confirmed that they have spoken with the family but refused to further say anything about the case since the police investigation is ongoing. The company is also cooperating with the authorities to trace the original owner of the storage.

When storage goes up for auction, it usually means that it has been abandoned and the owner has failed to pay for it. The suitcases were believed to have been stored for four or five years.

The blind auction was based on the popular U.S. TV series "Storage Wars," which has been running for over a decade. Lockers and storage units that haven't been paid for at least three months go on auction on this show. Many people participate in the auction because of the potential treasures they could acquire. But such practice also has a risk since buyers are mainly unaware of what they are bidding on.