ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA– A dismembered body was found in St. Tammany Parish, and investigators believe it could have ties to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The body was discovered–with both arms and one leg missing– on July 29 near The Rigolets marina, less than 20 minutes from Pearlington, MS near highway 90 west.
Because of the dismembered and badly decomposed condition of the body, officials have not been able to identify the man. All that was found that linked to an identity was a scar on his chest, indicating a recent heart bypass surgery. There was also blood pressure medicine in his toxicology report.
An official told News Mississippi the body may belong to someone with Mississippi ties.
“There was certain evidence at the scene that indicated that he may have lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Chief Investigator David Murel. “But that’s all I can say at this point.”
The coroner has identified just a few clues to the man’s identity, through a process called phenotyping. Data concluded that he was 65, approximately 5’10, of European, Middle Eastern, Italian or Greek descent.
“It’s not a perfect science,” said Murel. “But it’s the best we’ve got.”
Due to the condition of the body and the time since the discovery, officials have released a forensic sketch of what he looked like, in hopes of drawing in clues from the community.
“We’re just trying to get him to his family,” Murel said.
Anyone with information regarding the possible identity of the victim is urged to call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department Detective Timothy Crabtree at (985) 898-2338 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
