A chilling discovery in a New Jersey forest has left police racing to identify the human remains – and their only clues are two distinctive tattoos.
The body was discovered stuffed inside a refrigerator on December 22, in Dennis Township, Cape May County, within New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest – just days before Christmas.
Authorities believe the remains belong to a Caucasian or Hispanic woman, approximately 5’1′ tall.
No further information is provided about the description of the victim – besides a pair of unique tattoos on the woman’s body.
Two days after the chilling discovery, New Jersey State Police revealed photos of the designs: a koi fish tattoo located on the upper right shoulder blade area, and an intricate rose design extending from her left ribs to her chest and hip.
Police also recovered what they described as a ‘distinctive’ yoga mat and necklace at the scene. Photos of these items, alongside the tattoos, have been shared widely on social media in hopes of generating leads.
And now locals have taken it upon themselves to try and piece the clues together – including tracking down local tattoo artists who may 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 left 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 stuffed inside a refrigerator on December 22, in Dennis Township, Cape May County, within New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest – just days before Christmas
The New Jersey State Police took to Facebook to appeal for information.
Their post read: ‘State Police Seeking 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 Caucasian or Hispanic female, approximately 5’1′ tall. The individual had two tattoos (pictured): a koi fish tattoo on the upper right portion of her back (shoulder blade area) and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, extending from her chest to her hip.’
‘Additionally, a distinctive yoga mat and necklace (both pictured) were recovered at the scene.’
The post has sparked a wave of comments from internet sleuths – many sharing their own clues and speculation in an effort to help with the investigation.
Authorities have closely monitored 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 – those all have been watched,’ a spokesperson for the investigation told DailyMail.com.
‘We’ve been taking action on everything we have seen that is providing any kind of good investigative leads like tattoo parlors.’
Two days after the chilling discovery, New Jersey State Police revealed photos of the tattoos: a koi fish tattoo located on the upper right shoulder blade area and an intricate rose design extending from her left ribs to her chest and hip
Police also recovered what they described as a ‘distinctive’ yoga mat and necklace (pictured) at the scene
No further information is provided about the description of the victim – besides a pair of distinctive tattoos on the woman’s body and this decorative yoga mat (pictured)
‘We’ve been taking all the calls from tip lines. We are just trying to see if anybody does know or can identify who she is and get a name, or know any associate of her.’
The Facebook post has drawn hundreds of responses from concerned citizens.
Among the comments were many helpful insights and suggestions aimed at aiding the investigation.
One user warned against ruling out potential connections too quickly.
‘Don’t rule someone out just because of tattoos. If they were trafficked for a time they could have gotten the tattoos during the time they were missing but still alive.’
Another pointed investigators toward tattoo artists:’Police should check with every tattoo shop around their area; most of the tattoo artists take pictures of their work after they finish the job. That may help their investigation.’
Others speculated about possible connections to local unsolved cases.
‘There was a girl who went missing in Atlantic County where her car was found in the woods with no plate attached,’ one commenter wrote.
The post has sparked a wave of comments from internet sleuths – many sharing their own clues and speculation in an effort to help with the investigation
Authorities have closely monitored the input as they turn to the public for help, a spokesperson told DailyMail.com
‘Please continue to share and be on the lookout for these women,’ one user wrote. ‘Three have gone missing from her area in a period of six months.’
Local residents have also suggested practical investigative steps.
‘Would be helpful to come up with a list of yoga studios in the surrounding area (Cape May County, Cumberland County),’ one commenter advised.
Another identified a potentially significant detail about the necklace found with the remains: ‘The necklace is a Gemini charm. There’s a few girls on Etsy that make them.’
The New Jersey State Police and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office are asking 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.
