Unsolved homicide of infant in 1986 continues 'haunting' Washington Township police chief
The body of 'Baby Jane Doe' was found 38 years ago behind a shopping plaza.
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On the morning of Dec. 4, 1986, a local farmer searching garbage bins to find food for his pigs made a disturbing discovery. The tiny body of a full-term, newborn caucasian baby girl with dark hair and brown eyes was found in a silver trash bag behind Paisano’s Pizza at the Towne Center shopping plaza on State Highway 42 in Washington Township, Gloucester County. She was wrapped in a beach towel depicting scenes of the African plains.
It's been 38 years and Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik says the baby's death "remains a heartbreaking case" for the community.
"This case has haunted me for years," Gurcsik said in a statement on social media.
He's hoping that bringing the case back to the public's attention will produce new leads.
According to the chief, the case was originally investigated by Police Officer Joe Famular and Detective Tony Garczynski. At the time, the infant's death was ruled as a "homicide by asphyxiation."
Although decades have passed, the case remains active and police are continuing to pursue leads.
"We are urging anyone with information to come forward. Every tip, no matter how small, could make a difference in finally bringing justice for Baby Jane Doe," the chief said in a statement.
The chief said tips can be reported anonymously by calling Detective Captain Tim Breen at 856-589-0330, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Captain Staci Lick at 856-384-5500 or the FBI's Philadelphia Office at 215-418-4000.
