Decomposing Remains Found Under Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

NYPD investigating discovery of skeletal remains in Jackson Heights storage area

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:40pm

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Police in New York City's Jackson Heights neighborhood discovered badly decomposing human remains under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway on Tuesday morning. The skeletal remains were found in a Department of Transportation storage area near Exit 41 on the BQE, and authorities are working to determine the gender and cause of death of the deceased.

Why it matters

The discovery of unidentified human remains in a public infrastructure area raises concerns about public safety and the possibility of foul play. Investigations into such cases can be complex and often take time to yield answers, leaving the local community on edge until more details emerge.

The details

Officers from the NYPD's 115th Precinct responded to a 911 call on April 7 and found the decomposing skeletal remains in a DOT storage area near the BQE's Northern Boulevard exit, on the border between the Woodside and Jackson Heights neighborhoods. It is unclear if a DOT worker initially discovered the remains. The gender of the deceased and the cause of death will be determined by the city's medical examiner, and there is no indication yet of how long the remains had been in the storage area.

  • On April 7, police responded to a 911 call and discovered the decomposing remains.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the discovery of the human remains.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The city agency that operates and maintains the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, where the remains were found in a storage area.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

The city agency responsible for determining the gender and cause of death of the deceased individual.

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What’s next

The NYPD investigation into the discovery of the remains is ongoing, and the medical examiner's office will work to identify the deceased and determine the cause of death.

The takeaway

This grisly discovery under a major New York City highway underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigations when it comes to unidentified human remains, in order to provide answers and closure for the community.