State archaeologists hope a Fairfield man's DNA will unlock the mystery of 18th century remains found at Sturges Park.

The remains of several people were found last week while workers were renovating the park. Archaeologists say Trinity Church and its cemetery once stood at the site, but were moved. The headstones were later found and moved more than 100 years ago to Fairfield Burying Ground, but the graves went undiscovered until now.

John Chatfield traces his relatives to the 1700s in Fairfield and recognizes some of the names on the headstones as his family members. Officials hope to compare his DNA with the remains at Sturges Park. If Chatfield is related, he would have the final say on what happens to the bones, otherwise a judge will decide.

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