Mystery Of Woman's Remains Found Decades Ago In BurlCo Reaches Breakthrough

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — An unknown woman's remains were discovered 21 years ago in Mount Laurel. On Monday, forensic specialists released a DNA profile for the victim, renewing hope for investigators seeking to identify "Jane Doe."

Doe's remains were discovered on Oct. 26, 2004, when the Malibu Grand Prix was getting demolished. Police estimate she died in early 2003.

After several attempts to obtain the victim's DNA profile, forensic specialists made a breakthrough revealing her potential ethnicity, according to Ramapo College's Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center.

Doe's genetic relatives show she may be of central Eurasian descent — likely of the Turkic ethnic group, according to the findings.

She may be from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan or another country in central Eurasia.

Ramapo's Genealogy Center urged people to share its social-media post with Turkic interest and advocacy groups on Monday.

"Getting her face and the details of her case out to the public, especially groups where people from her community may see her," the Genealogy Center said, "will be the key to bringing Burlington County Jane Doe 'home' to her loved ones."

Astrea Forensics, a California-based company, helped produce Doe's genealogy profile.

Mount Laurel and State Police have been investigating the cold case.

What Else We Know

Construction workers discovered the victim's remains while demolishing in a wooded area during demolition near the former Malibu Grand Prix — a race track with an entertainment center.

The Fellowship Road site now has an office park.

Authorities estimate Doe was born between 1968 and 1978 and died around Jan. 1, 2003.

Doe was found wearing a leopard-print scarf, a vinyl or leather jacket, two blouses (one with lace), Hilfiger jeans shorts or skirt, white Nike youth sneakers (size 5) pantyhose, panties and a black bra, according to State Police. She was also carrying a black pocketbook that contained a Kleenex package.

Police believe the victim was between 5 feet, 1 inch and 5 feet, 5 inches. She was 100 to 125 pounds, authorities said.

Doe had black hair and black or brown eyes, according to State Police.

Anyone with information about the case or the woman's identity can contact State Police by calling 1-800-709-7090 or emailing missingp@gw.njsp.org. You can also call Mount Laurel Police at 856-234-1414.