First Severed Limbs, Now Human Torso Found in 'Bizarre Case': Police

New Haven police confirmed Thursday afternoon that a human torso has been found hidden inside 271 Crown Street.

Earlier this month, dismembered arms and legs were found in downtown New Haven and police confirmed Thursday that the legs and arms belonged to Ray Roberson – a 54-year-old homeless man from New Haven.

The torso remains have not been identified as of Thursday afternoon.

“As was the case with the previously found remains, an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and the State Forensic Laboratory must be completed for us to connect this case to the Roberson case,” New Haven Police Spokesman David Hartman said. “This will take some time. We will not speculate on the outcome.”

New Haven Police said on Friday, July 24 they received valuable information on the recent human remains case.

Roberson’s legs were found on July 15 in the vicinity of the State Street Railroad Station. A pair of arms was found in a nearby location and they most likely belong to Roberson, according to forensic investigators with State Police.

Since Roberson’s identification, detectives and investigators have been searching for clues in this “bizarre case,” Hartman said. The investigation has prompted dialogues with homeless people throughout the city.

On Wednesday, New Haven Police were given information that the victim may have spent time at the now vacant Salvation Army building, which is located at 301 George Street. This information – obtained by police, led to a search of the building and another building, 271 Crown Street - that share the same parking lot.

New Haven Police requested State Troopers and State Police cadaver dogs to assist in the case. Their initial findings led detectives to apply for a search warrant. The warrant was granted in the early morning hours.

Forensic Investigators from the New Haven Police Department and those of the State Police have been investigating at the scene since about midnight, police said.

The case is being investigated as a homicide, police said.