A reconstruction of the victim (top left), dubbed Baby Jane Doe; a towel found with the infant’s remains (top right); and a composite of what the baby’s mother may have looked like.
Washington Township police and FBI Philadelphia are seeking the public’s help in a 35-year-old cold homicide case involving a newborn female.
Law-enforcement officials recently released a flyer called Baby Jane Doe, with a photo composite of what the baby’s mother may have looked like, a photo of the the deceased, and a beach towel depicting an African Plains scene in which the infant was found wrapped.
“Though it has been almost 40 years, we are hoping this poster jogs someone’s memory, that someone who might have information comes forward,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This case demonstrates no matter how much time passes, we continue to pursue justice for victims.”
On the morning of Dec. 4, 1986, the remains of a full-term, white, newborn female were found in a dumpster behind Paisano’s Pizza at the Towne Center shopping center, at Ganttown Road and Route 42, according to an Oct. 8 press release from the FBI.
Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik relayed in a social media post that the case has “haunted” him for years.
“The tragic discovery of Baby Jane Doe … remains a heartbreaking case for our community,” he noted.
The infant – who weighed approximately 7 pounds and had dark hair and brown eyes – was found inside a silver plastic Hefty-brand trash bag wrapped in the beach towel and discovered by a local farmer as he checked dumpsters to find food for his pigs.
The case was originally investigated by township officer Joe Famular and Det. Tony Garczynski. The baby’s death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. A manila folder with aged paperwork still sits at the police department.
“Let’s help give Baby Jane Doe the justice she deserves,” Gurcsik requested.
Anyone with information can contact Det. Capt. Tim Breen at (856) 589-0330, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Capt. Staci Lick at (856) 384-5500 and FBI Philadelphia at (215) 418-4000. Online tips can be submitted to tips.fbi.gov.
