FBI seek information in decades-old death of infant found in New Jersey dumpster
WASHINGTON TWP, N.J. - The tragic death of a newborn baby girl, 38 years ago Wednesday, in Washington Township, remains a mystery.
The FBI, New Jersey State Police, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Washington Township Police continue to investigate the homicide of "Baby Jane Doe," what they call an "open" case instead of a "cold case," as they continue to look for leads.
Back on December 4, 1986, Chief Patrick Gurcsik says a pig farmer, searching for food and scraps for his farm in a dumpster behind what was Paisano’s Pizza at the time, made the horrific discovery.
Paisano’s Pizza since closed in what is now called Priscilla Towne Center, a shopping center along Route 42.
"He came upon a baby, he thought was a baby, inside of a trash bag that he had ripped open. So, he called police and obviously police came right out and discovered that’s what it was, a newborn infant," says Chief Gurcsik. "Back in 1986 there was no cameras here at all and detectives had to start from zero."
The body of "Baby Jane Doe" was found in a dumpster behind a Gloucester County shopping center on Ganttown Road in Washington Township on Dec. 4, 1986.
The FBI Philadelphia says Baby Jane Doe was wrapped in a distinct towel showing an African Plains scene and a cheetah image.
Investigators believe she was born that morning, full term, Caucasian, 7 pounds, with dark hair and brown eyes. Her death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation.
Chief Gurcsik says he was a police explorer with the department when the case came in. Her file sits on his desk, and he still talks with the since-retired detectives that diligently worked the case.
"They believe whoever left the baby back in that dumpster was from this area, possibly right here in Washington Township, and knew that there was a dumpster behind Paisano’s Pizza which was here for years," he says. "There was no one in the motels in town, three or four of them at the time, that any of the managers could remember a pregnant female staying there. Detectives also checked with the local schools in the South Jersey area seeing if there were any pregnant students possibly."
He says investigators are using forensic DNA testing with the evidence they have to try to get answers, which is giving him renewed hope. He shared a picture with FOX 29 of Baby Jane’s unmarked grave in Calvary Cemetery, in Cherry Hill, which was donated by the Diocese of Camden shortly after her death.
Chief Gurcsik says reports say she was named Christine, in honor of Christmas, by those that helped with her burial.
"I’m extremely hopeful," he says. "It would be great news to hear, put this case to rest, bring justice for the baby, and for the detectives that worked the case back then.
If you have any information concerning this case, you are asked to contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.