Authorities initiated a homicide investigation after finding skeletal human remains with evidence of strangulation at Heckscher State Park in New York on April 2, 1978.
Authorities estimate that the unidentified female victim died sometime in 1975 or before. An updated composite sketch was created in 2024 to help identify her. The authorities need public assistance to solve this cold case. People who have useful information about this case should contact the Suffolk County Police Department.
**Discovery of Remains:**
- **Date of Discovery:** April 2, 1978
- **Location:** Heckscher State Park, New York
- **Circumstances:** The dog that was on the beach started scratching at the sand, which led to the discovery of the top part of a human skull.
**Investigation Findings:**
Police arrived to investigate the area, and during the excavation, they discovered an entire human skeleton.
An examination of the remains showed a belt tightly wrapped around the victim’s neck, which suggested strangulation led to her death.
The victim was thought to be a female aged between 18 and 22 when she died in 1975 or before.
**Recent Developments:**
The Cold Case Task Force joined forces with forensic artist Danielle Gruttadaurio in 2024 to revisit the skull examination and create a revised composite rendering of what the victim probably looked like before her death.
The investigation works to create new leads that will help identify the victim and solve the case.
**Call for Information:**
Authorities are asking people who have any information about this case or who can identify the victim to report to them. The Suffolk County Police Department can be reached at contactda@suffolkcountyny.gov
Thank you for your assistance.