What to Know
- A baby was found dead in a roller suitcase on the PATH train tracks in Jersey City Wednesday, authorities say
- The child, initially believed to be three months old, is now estimated at about a year old, sources say
- Chopper 4 footage from over the scene showed investigators gathered on the tracks underneath the Tonnelle Avenue overpass near Newark Avenue
An initial autopsy has been completed on the dead baby who was found wrapped in a blanket in a roller suitcase on PATH train tracks in New Jersey on Wednesday, and the girl appears to be months older than investigators first estimated, law enforcement sources tell News 4.
While a clear cause of death couldn't initially be determined, sources say the baby girl, initially estimated to be about three months old, was actually much bigger. She's now believed to have been about 10 months old, and had been dead for several days.
There are no visible signs of trauma on the baby, who was carefully placed, fully clothed, into the suitcase, sources said. The girl may have been hispanic or African American; investigators are sending pictures of her to state police for a sketch to release.
The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is asking for the public's help to identify the child.
The disturbing discovery on the Newark-bound side of the Jersey City-Journal Square station has "rattled" even the most veteran homicide detectives, who are now working backwards to try to retrace the steps of whoever abandoned the child in hopes they may find some surveillance video, sources said.
There were two suitcases where the baby was found -- one dark, one pink. She was found in the pink one.
Local
Chopper 4 footage from over the scene showed investigators gathered on the tracks underneath the Tonnelle Avenue overpass, near Newark Avenue. They appeared to be focused on a flipped-open suitcase on the side of the tracks.
The Hudson County prosecutor's office confirmed on Twitter that its homicide unit and Port Authority police are investigating. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information on the case should call the Hudson County Prosecutor's Homicide Unit at 201-915-1345.
