Above: Economy and county officials hold a press conference. Below: Authorities need help to identify this woman.
advertisement Local and county authorities are asking for the public's help to identify a woman whose remains were found earlier this month in Economy.
On Dec. 12 at about 12:30 p.m., the Economy Borough Police Department was notified that a resident walking on Mason Road had discovered a human head.
Mason Road is located in a wooded, residential area and is not a heavily traveled road. According to police, the human remains were found in a wooded area off of the roadway.
Economy Police, the Beaver County Detectives office, the Beaver County Coroner's office, Beaver County 911, C.A.E.S.A.R. cadaver dogs and the Economy Fire Department conducted an extensive search in the area and surrounding areas.
No further evidence was found throughout that search. An additional search using the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit is being coordinated, but had been difficult due to last week's weather.
The coroner's investigation indicated the head had been embalmed. There is not any indication as to how long ago that embalming took place.
Officials said the human remains appear to be that of a female, 50 or older, with whitish, gray hair and soft curls that appears to have been styled. Her full set of teeth were intact and in good condition. Her identity is still unknown.
Police, county detectives and the coroner's office are continuing to investigate all aspects of the remain. The coroner's office has been in contact with the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, the Humanity Gifts Registry and all members of the PA State Coroner's Association.
On Dec. 12 at about 12:30 p.m., the Economy Borough Police Department was notified that a resident walking on Mason Road had discovered a human head.
Mason Road is located in a wooded, residential area and is not a heavily traveled road. According to police, the human remains were found in a wooded area off of the roadway.
Economy Police, the Beaver County Detectives office, the Beaver County Coroner's office, Beaver County 911, C.A.E.S.A.R. cadaver dogs and the Economy Fire Department conducted an extensive search in the area and surrounding areas.
No further evidence was found throughout that search. An additional search using the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit is being coordinated, but had been difficult due to last week's weather.
The coroner's investigation indicated the head had been embalmed. There is not any indication as to how long ago that embalming took place.
Officials said the human remains appear to be that of a female, 50 or older, with whitish, gray hair and soft curls that appears to have been styled. Her full set of teeth were intact and in good condition. Her identity is still unknown.
Police, county detectives and the coroner's office are continuing to investigate all aspects of the remain. The coroner's office has been in contact with the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, the Humanity Gifts Registry and all members of the PA State Coroner's Association.
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advertisement The remains have also been examined by Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, forensic anthropologist at Mercyhurst College, whose discipline determines sex, stature and ancestry, and by Dr. Charles Beall, forensic odontologist, a discipline that compares post mortem dental records to ante mortem dental records.
"We all have been working diligently and using all resources available to further this investigation."
"The woman had been laid to rest. She is someone's loved one; sister, mother, grandmother and aunt."
Authorities aren't releasing additional details due to the sensitive nature of the case and in respect for family members.
The Economy police department is asking for any information to help identify the woman. Anyone with information about the woman's identity or the crime that has taken place is asked to contact police at 724-876-0380 or email [email protected].
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"We all have been working diligently and using all resources available to further this investigation."
"The woman had been laid to rest. She is someone's loved one; sister, mother, grandmother and aunt."
Authorities aren't releasing additional details due to the sensitive nature of the case and in respect for family members.
The Economy police department is asking for any information to help identify the woman. Anyone with information about the woman's identity or the crime that has taken place is asked to contact police at 724-876-0380 or email [email protected].
Like Ambridge Connection on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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