Massachusetts

DA: Woman's Skeletal Remains Found in Dedham, Massachusetts

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office and Dedham police are asking for the public's help in identifying the remains of a woman found in the woods in Dedham, Massachusetts.

District Attorney Michael Morrissey said a resident found some bones in a wooded area of High Street near the Brookdale Cemetery on Tuesday. Police, along with a K-9 unit, searched the area and found several bones, almost enough for a full skeleton.

An anthropologist working with the medical examiner's office determined the bones were the remains of a young black woman in her late teens or early twenties who was roughly 5’6” tall.

"The body was significantly deteriorated," Morrissey said.

The victim was wearing a Marist College sweatshirt, a pair of Atmosphere brand sweatpants, a charm bracelet engraved with the word "peace" and a ring.

presserpics
A sweatshirt similar to this one and this charm bracelet and ring were found along with a woman's bones in a wooded area in Dedham, Massachusetts, earlier this week.

Local authorities are working with police at the college and officers in Poughkeepsie, New York, where the school is located.

The condition of the bones led investigators to believe the woman died several months ago. At this point, they are not ruling out foul play, but have not been able to determine much about how she died. Investigators said there were no obvious signs of violence.

"We are not here to say that this is a homicide," Morrissey said. "It is an isolated area a bit out of the way, so obviously, we are concerned."

There are few clues regarding the woman's identity. 

"This is really the appeal to the public right now because we really need a break," Morrissey explained.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the district attorney's office at 781-830-4990 or Dedham police at 781-751-9300.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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