The Mercer County Homicide Task Force, in collaboration with the Trenton Police Department, has issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying a homicide victim discovered in September 2023.
On the afternoon of Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Trenton police responded to a call in the 500 block of Chestnut Avenue on the Swan Street side of an abandoned parking lot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive Hispanic male with severe lacerations to his head and face.
The victim was located near an abandoned delivery truck parked in the lot. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy conducted by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner’s Office subsequently confirmed that the cause of death was homicide.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have prompted the Mercer County Homicide Task Force to seek assistance from the public in identifying the victim.
To aid in the identification process, the New Jersey State Police Forensic Photography and Composite Artist Unit created a composite sketch of the male victim.
Authorities believe that someone in the community may recognize the individual or have information crucial to solving this case.
Detective Andrew DiStefano of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Sgt. Roberto Reyes of the Trenton Police Department are leading the investigation. They are urging anyone with information related to this case or who may know the identity of the victim to come forward.
Detective DiStefano can be reached at (609) 346-1402, while Sgt. Reyes can be contacted at (609) 256-0997.
Additionally, information can be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org. Authorities emphasize that anonymous tips are welcome and may play a vital role in advancing the investigation.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and bringing closure to the affected community. Cooperation from the public is essential in solving this crime and providing the victim’s family with the answers they deserve.