Gardai release facial reconstruction image in bid to identify woman
Gardai have released a facial reconstruction image, alongside photos of clothes and shoes, in a bid to identify a woman whose skeletal remains were found four years ago.
Gardai engaged the services of forensic specialist in facial reconstruction from Penn West University, Dr Michelle Vitali, who completed an illustration that investigating gardai believe will be of assistance in identifying the woman, believed to be aged 70 plus.
The woman's skeletal remains were discovered at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Cork on January 5, 2021.
At this time, forensic examinations suggest that the skeletal remains are believed to be a woman aged 70 plus at the time of her death, 5’ to 5’ 2” in height, large framed. She wore dentures believed to have been made in around the 1960s and suffered from arthritis. The woman was wearing a slip, tights and nightdress and size 2 brown leather shoes.
The dentures have a porous acrylic base, the teeth are porcelain posteriors with acrylic anterior and would most likely have been privately made.
Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that based on the entirety of all this information, and the facial reconstruction image, that a person or persons will be able to identify this lady.
DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database, and a positive match has not been obtained at this time. An Garda Síochána is also liaising with Interpol. Examinations of missing persons records have not identified any potential matches at this time.
The Garda investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Cobh Garda Station 021 4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
"Any information received by the investigation team will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Gardaí are determined to identify this person and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve," a Garda statement said.
"If you have any information that could help in the possible identification of this lady, no matter how insignificant you may think it might be, please contact the Garda investigation team, let them decide on the importance of your information," it concluded.