URGENT UPDATE: The NYPD is investigating a gruesome discovery in Queens, where sanitation workers found a dismembered body around 8 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities are hopeful that unique tattoos on the victim’s torso can help identify her.
The torso was located in a discarded trash bag wrapped in tape and rope along a route in Idlewild Park, near JFK Airport. The disturbing find was reported after workers noticed a foul odor emanating from the bag, prompting them to alert authorities. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the details during a press conference on Thursday.
Police reports indicate that the body is missing a head, arms, and legs, and appears to belong to a woman of Guyanese descent. The investigation focuses on the victim’s “several unique and identifiable tattoos,” which include three names and a flower. Detectives are working through open missing persons cases to match these tattoos to potential victims.
“We can still clearly see and make out the tattoos on the body,” Kenny stated. “We’re working through the missing persons reports to match up those names and those tattoos.” The torso itself remains relatively intact, showing only a broken rib from the dismemberment, which a forensic anthropologist believes was done with “straight edge instruments” like a knife or saw.
As the investigation unfolds, police have a possible lead but have not disclosed further details. “We do have a case that we’re very interested in, but we’re not going to make any notification to the family until we can determine what more is going on,” Kenny explained. This case is currently classified as “circumstances undetermined,” pending further investigation.
As the NYPD ramps up efforts to identify the victim, community members and officials alike are left in shock. The discovery raises urgent questions about safety and the circumstances surrounding this horrific incident.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
