I discovered a human skull in my grandpa’s yard

DEAR ABBY,
I could really use a second opinion. Recently, I purchased a 200-year-old family farmstead from my grandfather. I was thrilled—until he led me to a wooded area behind the barn and casually pointed out a human skull.

He then confessed that when his father died over 50 years ago, he became curious about the decomposition process and decided to leave the body in the woods to observe it over time. He documented everything—decades’ worth of notes and photographs. To the rest of the family, he claimed Great-Grandpa had been cremated, and no one questioned it.

All that remains now is the skull. I consulted a lawyer, and surprisingly, I was told that no laws were broken in my state. But I don’t want a human skull—especially a relative’s—just sitting out behind my barn!

My husband thinks I should quietly bury it, destroy the notes and pictures, and move on. But that doesn’t sit right with me. It feels like I’d be complicit in covering up something disturbing, even if it’s technically legal.

Part of me thinks the rest of the family deserves to know the truth. Another part of me wants to respect their peace and avoid causing pain or scandal. I also can’t help but feel angry at my grandfather for dragging me into this uncomfortable situation.

What should I do? Should I keep this secret, or tell the family what really happened?
— GOT MORE THAN I PAID FOR

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