The body of an unidentified woman, adorned with distinctive tattoos, was discovered inside a refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest on December 22, 2024, sparking an urgent investigation by New Jersey authorities.
Police are seeking assistance from the public to help identify the woman, whose remains were found abandoned in the forest. Authorities believe she was approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, with notable tattoos: a koi fish on her right shoulder blade and a rose design on her ribs. Nearby, investigators found a yoga mat and a necklace, though the cause of death remains undetermined.
Photos of the tattoos, the yoga mat, and the jewelry have been released in hopes that someone will recognize the woman or provide information leading to her identification.
In a related development, John Tyrrell, a 46-year-old man from Cape May County, has been arrested in connection with the case. Tyrrell, a registered sex offender, has not been charged with the woman’s death but faces charges of fourth-degree obstruction. Authorities allege he obstructed the investigation by refusing to surrender his cell phone or submit to fingerprinting when requested.
Tyrrell claimed he stumbled upon the refrigerator while hiking through the forest on December 21, and discovered the woman’s body the following day. He contacted authorities and guided them to the location. Despite assisting in locating the body, Tyrrell’s refusal to cooperate further has raised suspicions.
Tyrrell’s attorney maintains that he is merely a witness with no connection to the woman’s death. The lawyer suggested Tyrrell may have been distressed by the request to provide his phone and fingerprints.
On Monday, a judge ordered Tyrrell’s release after he had been held for several days. He is required to check in with court officials as the investigation continues.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the woman and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The distinctive tattoos could be crucial in uncovering her identity.
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