22 Years Later, Public Help Sought In South Jersey Cold Case Homicide

ABSECON, NJ — The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Absecon Police Department, is asking for public assistance in a 22-year-old cold case homicide investigation.

On February 17, 2004, Absecon police responded to a marshy area off U.S. Route 30 after New Jersey Department of Corrections personnel conducting a roadside cleanup found human remains in a laundry bag, police said. An autopsy later determined the remains belonged to an adult male, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators believe the victim had been deceased for at least two months before discovery, based on the condition of the remains. No clothing or personal items were recovered from the scene, according to police. The victim was estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of death and had black hair, a prominent nose, and overlapping front teeth. Post-mortem dental records are available for comparison.

The New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Services conducted a clay facial reconstruction in an attempt to depict the victim’s identifying features. Despite an extensive investigation, which included DNA testing and comparisons with missing persons cases, the victim could not be identified at that time.

In 2023, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office secured funding for advanced DNA testing. Results from this testing indicated the victim was potentially of South Asian descent, specifically from India and/or Pakistan, police said. However, no additional leads were developed from this information.

Anyone who may have had a missing South Asian relative or acquaintance between mid-to-late 2003 and early 2004 is urged to contact authorities. Individuals who recognize the victim from the facial reconstruction are also asked to come forward. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line can be reached at (609) 909-7666.