Police Look To ID Remains Of Young Woman Found In Dedham Woods
DEDHAM (CBS) - Dedham police and the Norfolk County District Attorney are asking for help in identifying the human remains found in a Dedham wooded area Tuesday evening.
At a Friday press conference, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said the remains are of an African-American female. They also said they believe the woman was in her late teens or early twenties and about 5' 6" tall.
The body was found in a wooded area next to a parking lot by a senior housing area and the Brookfield Cemetery in the 300 block of High Street. The state medical examiner's office said they believe the woman has been dead for "several months."
The unknown woman was wearing a Marist College sweatshirt, a ring, and a bracelet with a charm engraved with the word "Peace."
Authorities contacted Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York to find out if any students were reported as missing. There is no further information on a possible student disappearance.
District Attorney Michael Morrissey said this is not a murder investigation, "We are not here to say this is a homicide. We just want to identify this person."
"We just want to know who she is, who she was with. That will help us in our investigation," Morrissey said.
While it may not be a homicide investigation, people who live near the wooded area surprised.
"I just find it weird. I walk my dog in there all the time," a neighbor said in reaction. "We walk through the cemetery all the time. It's safe in there."
The remains were taken to the state medical examiner's office.
Dedham Police, State Police, and the Norfolk DA's Office Detective Unit are all working on the case.
Authorities ask that anyone with any information contact Dedham Police at 781-751-9300 or State Police detectives attached to the Norfolk DA's Office at 781-830-4990.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports