Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Human Remains Found in Dedham

DEDHAM, MA — Human remains were found in a wooded area near High Street this week, the Norfolk County District Attorney's office confirmed.

District Attorney Michael Morrisey told reporters Friday that the remains were discovered Tuesday evening by a man who was walking in the area near High Street and Brookfield Cemetery. After coming upon skeletal remains, the man contacted the Dedham Police Department. A police search of the area later that evening and Wednesday morning turned up more bones which were confirmed to be human by the state's chief medical examiner.

The area where the remains were recovered is separated by a fence from a senior housing complex and also bounded the parking lot at 379 High St. and the Brookdale Cemetery.

Authorities don't have a name for the victim but believe they belong to a black woman in her late teens to early 20s, who is about 5'6".

"That's a good start but we have more work to do," Morrisey said.

Authorities say the woman was found wearing a Marist College pullover, Atmosphere-branded sweatpants, a ring and a bracelet that had the word "peace" inscribed.

Based on the state of the remains, it is believed that the woman has been dead for several months. The cause and manner of her death have not been determined.

Morrisey said police are following leads and reaching out to Marist College, which is located in Poughkeepsie, New York. Marist College spokesman Greg Cannon said the college's Office of Security has been contacted by authorities in Massachusetts.

"We are fully cooperating with them," Cannon said.

Cannon said the school is not aware that any current or former students are missing.

Anyone who believes they might have information about her identity or other information in this case is asked to call the Dedham Police Department at 781-751-9300 or State Police detectives attached to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office at 781-830-4990.

Michael Woyton contributed to this report.

Press conference image credit: Dan Libon. All other images were provided by the Norfolk County district attorney's office.