BELLEPLAIN – New Jersey State Police hope distinctive tattoos on the body of a woman found in a refrigerator in the Belleplain State Forest on Sunday, Dec. 22, will lead to her being identified.
The State Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman, described as Caucasian or Hispanic and approximately 5-foot-1.
According to the State Police, the woman had two specific tattoos they hope someone from the public will recognize: a koi fish tattoo on the upper right portion of her back (shoulder blade area) and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, extending from her chest to her hip.
Additionally, a distinctive yoga mat and necklace were recovered at the scene.
The State Police did not provide details related to the woman’s approximate age or the cause of death.
According to The Press of Atlantic City, police have charged a Lower Township man who reported finding the body with obstruction after he refused to hand over his cellphone to police.
John Tumelty, the attorney for John Patrick Tyrrell, 46, of North Cape May, told a judge at a hearing that his client had called the police after finding the body while he was hiking in the state forest, The Press article said.
Tumelty said his client waited at the scene for the police to arrive, to be told they wanted to interview him at the State Police Woodbine barracks. There, the attorney said, while not under arrest, the police asked him for his cellphone.
Tumelty said Tyrrell had no lawful obligation to hand over his phone, but because he refused he was placed under arrest for obstruction. Tyrrell also declined to be fingerprinted, an additional charge.
Tyrrell was released from jail by Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Waldman after a detention hearing on Monday, Dec. 30; however, he is required to check in with the courts weekly and must stay away from the state forest while the investigation is going on.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the State Police Troop A Woodbine Station at 609-861-5698 or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, ext. 3480.
Anonymous tips are welcome, the State Police said.
