'Haunted Me For Years': Baby Found Dead In NJ Dumpster Still A Mystery Decades Later

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — In the 1980s, a newborn baby was found dead inside a Washington Township dumpster. Decades later, police still hope to solve the mystery behind "Baby Jane Doe."

A local pig farmer was searching dumpsters for garbage to feed his pigs on the morning of Dec. 4, 1986, when he found Jane Doe's body. Police ruled the baby's death a homicide by asphyxiation.

To this day, the baby's identity remains unknown. Washington Township's police chief pleaded with the public Tuesday for answers.

"This case has haunted me for years," said Chief Patrick Gurcsik.

Jane Doe's body was discovered in a dumpster behind Paisano's Pizza on Route 42. She was wrapped in a beach towel depicting a scene in the African plains, which was inside a silver plastic "Hefty" trash bag, Gurcsik said.

Authorities believe she was killed hours prior.

"We are urging anyone with information to come forward. Every tip, no matter how small, could make a difference in finally bringing justice for Baby Jane Doe," Gurcsik said on the WTPD's Facebook page. "Callers can remain 100% anonymous."

Police described Jane Doe as a full-term, white, newborn girl with dark hair and brown eyes.

Authorities have shared renderings of Jane Doe's face and of what her mother may have looked like:

The towel — called the Serengeti Beach Towel — is shown below:

Anyone with information on this case can contact:

• Washington Township Police Det. Tim Breen at 856-589-0330.
• Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Cpt. Staci Lick at 856-384-5500.
• the FBI Philadelphia Office at 215-418-4000.