DELRAY BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – The Delray Beach Police Department responded to a 911 call from a construction worker reporting a suspicious item in the water along the Intracoastal Waterway near the 1000 block of Palm Trail in Delray Beach, Friday afternoon.

Upon arrival, officers made a grim discovery — a suitcase containing human remains. Hours later, two more suitcases were found in nearby locations about a mile south along the Intracoastal.

“We were able to determine that the remains in the two suitcases were human remains as well and all three suitcases were deemed to be the same person,” said Chief Russ Mager.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities have determined that the human remains belong to one unidentified adult female. Her body was found in the early stages of decomposition.

“We’re estimating our female victim as somewhere between 35 and 55 years of age,” said Sergeant Casey Kelly. “She is either Caucasian or Latin American, she’s roughly 5’4″ with brown hair and may have tattooed eyebrows.”

One suitcase was found at the initial location on Palm Trail, and the others were found near Southeast 7th Avenue and Casuarina Road.

Picture of the floral tank top the victim was wearing
(Courtesy Delray Beach Police Department)

The female victim was wearing a floral tank top with a black undershirt and black mid-thigh shorts.

“The brand of the shirt is Betzabe, which is unique, we believe from what we can tell is a Brazilian company,” said Kelly.

The victim’s remains were carefully collected and transported to the medical examiner’s office for further examination and identification.

Detectives believe she was placed in the waterway anytime from July 17th to the early morning of July 20th.

Officials are asking the public to watch their surveillance video to identify anything out of the ordinary.

“We ask that you specifically look for unusual vehicles or people and certainly anyone carrying or moving luggage.”

Detective Mike Liberta is leading the ongoing investigation into this incident.

“If you have any information that relates to this investigation, we’d appreciate your assistance and feedback,” added Mager. “No information is too small, we’re requesting help from the community and anyone that may have information on this case.”

The Delray Beach Police Department is urging anyone with any information or possible leads to come forward and call Detective Liberta directly, who can be reached at 561-243-7874.

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