Authorities have released images of what they believe a man whose remains were found in 2004 would look like.
It was exactly 22 years Tuesday that Absecon police were called to a marshy area off Route 30 for human remains found in a laundry bag.
Department of Corrections personnel cleaning up the roadside made the discovery of the man believed to be between 25 and 35 years old.
An autopsy determined the manner of death was homicide.
The New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Services conducted a clay facial reconstruction in an effort to depict the victim’s identifying features.
The investigation included DNA testing and comparisons with missing persons cases, but he could not be identified.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office secured funding for advanced DNA testing in 2023, leading to results that indicated the victim was potentially of South Asian descent, specifically from India and/or Pakistan.
No additional leads were developed.
Now Absecon police, along with the FBI and Prosecutor's Office are hoping the public can help.
Investigators believe the victim was dead for at least two months at the time his remains were discovered due to the condition.
No clothing or personal items were recovered at the scene.
The man had black hair, a prominent nose and overlapping front teeth. Post-mortem dental records are available.
Anyone who may have had a missing South Asian relative or acquaintance between mid-to-late 2003 and early 2004, or who recognizes the victim, is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 609-909-7666.
