Mystery of the no name body found in the woods. All police have to go in are these tattoos
A chilling discovery in a New Jersey forest has police racing to identify the human remains – and their only clues are two distinctive tattoos.
The body was discovered in a refrigerator in Dennis Township, Cape May County, in New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest on December 22, just days before Christmas.
Authorities believe the remains belong to a white or Hispanic woman, approximately 6 feet tall.
No further information is provided about the description of the victim, apart from a few unique tattoos on the woman’s body.
Two days after the chilling discovery, New Jersey State Police unveiled photos of the designs: a koi fish tattoo on the upper right shoulder blade, and an intricate rose design that extended from her left ribs to her chest and hip.
Police also found what they described as a “distinctive” yoga mat and chain at the scene. Photos of these items, in addition to the tattoos, have been shared widely on social media in hopes of generating leads.
And now locals have taken it upon themselves to piece together the clues, which includes tracking down local tattoo artists who might remember the inked work, and finding online stores that sell the same jewelry found on the dead body.
A chilling discovery in a New Jersey forest has police racing to identify human remains – their only clues are two distinctive tattoos as they turn to the public for help
The body was discovered in a refrigerator in Dennis Township, Cape May County, in New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest on December 22, just days before Christmas.
New Jersey State Police turned to Facebook to request information.
Their message read: “State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying human remains. On December 22, 2024, unidentified human remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest.”
“The remains are believed to belong to a white or Hispanic female, approximately six feet tall. The individual had two tattoos (pictured): a koi fish tattoo on the upper right side of her back (shoulder blade area) and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, extending from her chest to her hip.”
“In addition, a distinctive yoga mat and chain (both pictured) were recovered from the scene.”
The post has sparked a wave of responses from internet sleuths; many shared their own clues and speculations in an effort to help with the investigation.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the input as they turn to the public for help.
“I do know that everything on Facebook and all the comments that have been made have all been viewed,” a spokesperson for the investigation told DailyMail.com.
“We have taken action against anything we have seen that provides good leads for investigation, such as tattoo parlors.”
Two days after the chilling discovery, New Jersey State Police revealed photos of the tattoos: a koi fish tattoo on the upper right shoulder blade and an intricate rose design that extended from her left ribs to her chest and hip.
Police also found what they described as a ‘distinctive’ yoga mat and chain at the scene (photo).
No further information is given about the victim’s description – other than a few distinctive tattoos on the woman’s body and this decorative yoga mat (pictured)
“We have answered all calls from tip lines. We’re just trying to find out if anyone knows her or can identify her and get a name, or knows an associate of hers.”
The Facebook post has generated hundreds of comments from concerned citizens.
Among the comments were many useful insights and suggestions designed to support the research.
One user cautioned against ruling out potential connections too quickly.
“Don’t rule someone out just because of tattoos. If they had been trafficked for a while, they could have gotten the tattoos during the time they were missing but still alive.”
Another pointed researchers to tattoo artists: ‘Police should inquire at every tattoo shop in their area; most tattoo artists take photos of their work after they finish working. That could help their research.’
Others speculated about possible links to local unsolved cases.
“There was a girl who went missing in Atlantic County where her car was found in the woods with no license plate,” one commenter wrote.
The post has sparked a wave of responses from internet sleuths – many sharing their own clues and speculations in an effort to help with the investigation
Authorities have been closely monitoring the input as they turn to the public for help, a spokesperson told DailyMail.com
“Please keep sharing and keep an eye out for these women,” one user wrote. “Three have gone missing in her area in a six-month period.”
Local residents have also suggested practical research steps.
“It would be helpful to make a list of yoga studios in the area (Cape May County, Cumberland County),” one commenter advised.
Another identified a potentially important detail about the necklace found with the remains: “The necklace is a Gemini charm. There are some girls on Etsy who make them.”
The New Jersey State Police and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office ask anyone with information to contact their Troop ‘A’ Woodbine Station at (609) 861-5698 or the Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135 ext. 3480. Anonymous tips are welcome.