FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
DATE: October 18, 2019
INVESTIGATORS ASKING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COME FORWARD TO HELP IDENTIFY WOMAN’S BODY FOUND IN HUDSON RIVER IN HOBOKEN
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit detectives who have been investigating the death of a woman found floating in the Hudson River in Hoboken are seeking the public’s assistance with her identification.
The investigation by the Homicide Unit has revealed that the individual was a dark-skinned female approximately 35 to 55 years old. The woman was approximately 5 feet tall and weighed approximately 130 pounds. The woman had a distinctive marking on her back, as well as a lengthy scar on her back, and it is believed that she may have worn hair extensions.
At the time she was found, the woman was wearing black pants, a black long-sleeved sweater and a light-green shirt containing a swirling/flowery bead pattern.
A composite sketch of the woman has been developed by the New Jersey State Police Department Forensic Photography & Composite Artist Unit to help with her identification and investigators are distributing the sketch through all appropriate channels.
Additionally, to assist with her identification, investigators are providing photographs of several pieces of unique jewelry she was found to be wearing at the time of her death, as well as a pair of black Puma sneakers.
“We are urging anyone with information that would assist us in identifying this woman to please come forward,” said Prosecutor Suarez. “Something that may seem insignificant to you, no matter how small of a detail, might prove to be significant in helping identify this woman and help lead us to her loved ones.”
On Tuesday, October 1, 2019, shortly after 3:00 p.m., the Hoboken Police Department received a report concerning a possible body floating in the Hudson River near the Lackawanna Terminal in Hoboken.
Members of the Hoboken Police Department and the NJ Transit Police Department were directed to the location of the body by a concerned citizen and notification was made to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit.
The body was removed from the water with the assistance of the Hoboken Fire Department and the woman was pronounced dead at approximately 4:30 p.m. on October 1, 2019.
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating this death with the assistance of the Hoboken Police Department and the cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information as to the identity of the woman in the composite sketch or with knowledge concerning a woman gone missing within the last two months is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Prosecutor’s Office official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.