The Wilmington Police Department’s Cold Case Unit is asking for the assistance of the public to identify a deceased woman found in 2002.
On January 24, 2002, a partially decomposed body was found by construction workers in a vacant home in the 1400 Block of West 3rd Street. Investigators determined that the deceased individual was a Black woman believed to be between 20 and 40 years of age at the time. It is estimated that she was about 5’3” tall.
While it has not been determined when or how the woman died, police and investigators with the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences did not locate any evidence or signs indicating foul play. At the time the woman was found, she was wearing a gray long-sleeve Ralph Lauren shirt with a “POLO” Jeans logo on the left sleeve, as well as a pair of black “Results” brand denim jeans and size 4 Timberland boots.
A forensic dentist and local artist assisted with the creation of a composite photo, which is included here along with photos of a backpack and shoes found at the scene.
This investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are asking the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about this investigation, or any other cold case, is encouraged to contact the WPD Cold Case Unit:
The Cold Case Unit office can be reached at (302) 576-3619
Investigator Phil Saggione can be reached at (302) 576-3662 or [email protected]; Investigator Robert Partlow can be reached at (302) 650-3967 or [email protected]
ATF Special Agent Veronica Hnat can be reached at (302) 275-0369 or [email protected]
You can also provide information to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.org.