Skeleton found in jail cell: Man accidentally locked himself in cell 10 years ago
- 8 years ago
PATERSON, NEW JERSEY — A skeleton found locked in a holding cell of an abandoned New Jersey police department may be that of a homeless person who accidentally locked himself in and couldn’t get out, NBC 4 reported.
The decomposing body was discovered this week by Susan Greenbaum, owner of the building, and a contractor. Greenbaum is in the process of selling the building, according to NBC 4.
The building was boarded up in 1980 after it was gutted by an enormous fire, Greenbaum said.
Authorities believe the man died about eight to 10 years ago, based on a water bottle and over-the-counter medication found next to him in the cell.
According to Greenbaum, police think he may have been a homeless man looking for shelter inside the abandoned building.
Paterson police have not yet been able to identify the man, according to the NY Daily News.
“The deceased has not been identified and information regarding his identity will not be released at this time,” Capt. Richard Reyes said in a statement.
Police are looking for help in identifying the body, the NY Daily News reported.
The decomposing body was discovered this week by Susan Greenbaum, owner of the building, and a contractor. Greenbaum is in the process of selling the building, according to NBC 4.
The building was boarded up in 1980 after it was gutted by an enormous fire, Greenbaum said.
Authorities believe the man died about eight to 10 years ago, based on a water bottle and over-the-counter medication found next to him in the cell.
According to Greenbaum, police think he may have been a homeless man looking for shelter inside the abandoned building.
Paterson police have not yet been able to identify the man, according to the NY Daily News.
“The deceased has not been identified and information regarding his identity will not be released at this time,” Capt. Richard Reyes said in a statement.
Police are looking for help in identifying the body, the NY Daily News reported.