A baby’s body was reportedly found Wednesday afternoon under a bridge in New Jersey and police are asking locals for their help in identifying the infant.
According to NJ.com, authorities found the body at around 1 p.m. near the Journal Square Transportation Center alongside a set of train tracks.
Though identifying information about the baby was scarce in initial reports, police indicated the death was being investigated as a homicide.
A subsequent press release presented additional details as well as a call for tips from the public.
As the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office reported, a “preliminary report by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has revealed that the infant was a Hispanic or African-American female, approximately 10-months-old.”
The cause and manner of the baby’s death remained unconfirmed as of the latest reports available.
As Fox News reported, Port Authority Police Department is assisting the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in the case.
In a tweet shortly after the body was discovered, the prosecutor’s office confirmed both agencies were “on the scene investigating the body of an infant found just off the train tracks underneath the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge just off Broadway in Jersey City.”
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit and Port Authority Police are on the scene investigating the body of an infant found just off the train tracks underneath The Tonnelle Avenue Bridge just off Broadway in Jersey City. More info to follow.
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) April 11, 2018
Local reports cited sources who indicated the child was found inside a bag.
There was also a pink suitcase visible at the scene, according to witnesses, though the entire area is reportedly covered in refuse discarded by cars crossing the bridge above.
Residents in a nearby neighborhood said dozens of investigators swarmed the scene. When news began to spread that a baby’s body had been found, locals expressed outrage.
“It’s sad, depressing,” said resident Karen Hernandez. “Things like that never happened over here.”
Authorities urge anyone with information relevant to the case to leave a tip on the prosecutor’s website or call 201-915-1345.
[Featured image: Pixabay]
