22-Year-Old NJ Cold Case Remains Unsolved

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cold homicide case in Absecon, New Jersey has gone unsolved for 22 years. In 2004, human remains were found in a marshy area off Route 30, but the victim has never been identified. Despite advanced DNA testing and a clay facial reconstruction, authorities have been unable to determine the victim's identity. The FBI, Absecon Police Department, and Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office are now asking the public for help, believing the victim may have been of South Asian descent.

Why it matters

This long-unsolved cold case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying victims, even with modern forensic techniques. Solving the case could provide closure for the victim's family and potentially uncover leads in the homicide investigation.

The details

On February 17, 2004, members of the New Jersey Department of Corrections discovered human remains stuffed inside a laundry bag on the side of the road in a marshy area off Route 30 in Absecon. An autopsy determined the remains belonged to an unidentified male, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Despite a clay facial reconstruction and advanced DNA testing, the victim could not be identified. The testing did suggest the victim was potentially of South Asian descent, specifically from India and/or Pakistan.

• The human remains were discovered on February 17, 2004.
• In 2023, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office secured funding for advanced DNA testing on the remains.