Update #4, 06/28/2019: After a several years-long investigation, the victim in this case has been identified as Jessica Ashley Manchini (age 29 – at time of the bones discovery). 

On July 29, 2016, a set of humans remains were found in a suitcase in Buford along I-985 just north of Buford Drive.  A tag from the suitcase appeared to have faded blue ink that was no longer visible to the human eye.  Several lighting tests were done in 2016 to try and read the writing, but the ink appeared to have washed away.  In June 2019, the tag was re-examined with new technology.

The tag revealed a partial name and address which led us to a missing person named Jessica Manchini.  Manchini was originally from Pennsylvania, but spent the last few years of her life here in Gwinnett County.  She was reported missing by her mother in December 2014. 

Dental records and medical records have confirmed that the human remains belong to Jessica.  Her cause and manner of death are still under investigation. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  16-070200

Update #3, 01/10/2017:

The skeletal remains have been examined by a forensic anthropologist.  After the examination, more detailed information was determined about the victim. 

Description:

• Sex: Female
• Race: White, probably Asian Indian or Eastern Indian
• Height: 5’1” – 5’5” tall
• Age: 20-29 years old
• Some spinal fusion with slight Scoliosis (Female may not have known)
• Signs of healed left side rib injuries

The remains do not match any missing person cases through Gwinnett County.  The lead investigator has received numerous tips over the past several months.  None of those tips were a link to this victim. 

By figuring out who this victim is, we can try to determine the circumstances in which her body was abandoned along I-985.  We feel confident that a family somewhere is missing this young woman.  By identifying her, we can try to bring closure to a family while trying to solve this crime. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  16-070200

Update #2, 08/12/2016, 9:00am:

The lead detective assigned to this case is still seeking tips to help identify the female remains found in Buford on July 29.  The clothing is described as:

Top:                Black Miley Cyrus hoodie – size large

Pants:             Black Victoria’s Secret pants with “LOVE PINK” on leg – size small

Shoes:            Pink 2014 Women’s Nike Air Max Cage – size 7

(The clothing images provided are stock images, not actual clothing.)

All credible leads will be investigated.  Though the Medical Examiner’s Office believes that the remains belong to a woman between 20-30 years old, the Criminal Investigations Division will not exclude any tips outside the specified age range.  

It’s not only vital that we solve the case, but it’s also important that we bring closure to a family who is missing their loved one.  By giving a name to the bones, we can begin the process of determining the events in her life that ultimately led to her death.     

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  16-070200

Update #1, 08/01/2016, 2:00pm:

The Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that the human remains belong to a female between 20-30 years old.  She may be either mixed race (mostly white) or Hispanic.  Based on the decomposition, it appears as though she died about 6 months ago.  The entire set of bones was located inside the suitcase.  The ME is still investigating to determine the cause of death. 

There are no missing person cases through GCPD that match the remains.  The lead investigator will be reaching out to neighboring agencies to see if this recovery may match one of their cases.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  16-070200 

Original, 07/29/2016:

(Buford, Georgia)  A human skull and other bones were found inside a suitcase long I-985 northbound today.  The call came into the 911 Center around 11am.  Detectives assigned to the Homicide Unit along with the Crime Scene Unit and the Medical Examiner’s Office was dispatched to the scene. 

The Department of Transportation is currently working on a section of the interstate just north of Buford Drive in the right lane.  One of the construction workers went about 80 yards into the woods to relieve himself when he found the suitcase.  The worker came out of the woods and told his supervisor.

The responding officer said that the suitcase appears to have been in the woods for an extended period of time.  No identification has been made on the bones.  The lead detective will spend time researching missing person cases in Gwinnett County and other agencies to try to link these bones back to a specific person.  Once the person has been identified, the detective will investigate the circumstances that led to this discovery. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  16-070200