3D facial reconstruction released of woman found dead in bin bag in Liverpool's Stanley Park
Police have released a reconstructed image of an unidentified woman found dead in a bin bag in Stanley Park, Liverpool. She is believed to be aged 60 to 80.
Mystery woman found in Stanley Park: police release reconstructed face
Merseyside Police have published a reconstructed facial image of an unidentified woman whose body was discovered in a bin bag in a walled garden in Stanley Park, Liverpool, The Independent reports.
A member of the public found the bag, hidden in bushes, on Friday 28 August. Subsequent enquiries established that the bag had first been spotted at the same location six weeks earlier, on 13 July.
After several public appeals failed to produce a positive identification, investigators turned to Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University. The specialist team used 3D computerised facial reconstruction based on anatomical and anthropometrical standards, with photo-editing applied to produce the final image.
"It is vital that we identify this woman and get the answers as to who was responsible for her murder," said Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson.
The woman is described as white, approximately 5ft 2in tall and of slight build. She was wearing a pink Nike T-shirt when found. Face Lab's examination revealed she had no teeth and had suffered from osteoporosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and arthritis in her hands. She was also malnourished, though police said it is not yet known whether that resulted from age or neglect. She is believed to have been between 60 and 80 years old.
Professor Caroline Wilkinson, director of Face Lab, described the unit as a centre of excellence in craniofacial identification and digital heritage. "The Face Lab team have created a facial depiction to inspire recognition and assist the police in the identification of this woman and the forensic investigation into her death," she said. The image was produced using the team's 3D computerised reconstruction system before a final version was rendered through photo-editing.
Det Supt Wilson confirmed that officers have been pursuing additional lines of enquiry, including witness accounts, CCTV footage and forensic analysis. "We hope that the image of the woman combined with the physical description, clothing and ailments will jog someone's memory," she said. "If you have information please get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."
Anyone who recognises the woman, or believes they may have seen her before 13 July, is urged to contact Merseyside Police directly. Those who do not wish to speak to officers can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Source: The Independent