Unidentified Black Male Found August 19, 2004 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
Vital Statistics
Estimated Age: 35 to 45 years (pre-50) Estimated Height: 5'10" Estimated Weight: cannot be determined State of Remains: skeletal, all parts recovered Estimated Time of Death: at least one year Clothing: Green hooded sweatshirt (size large), blue St Johns Bay shirt (size large), blue work pants (size large), Fruit of the Loom underwear (size medium) and white Pro Wing hi-top sneakers. Dentals: Available. Tooth # 32 (lower right wisdom tooth) impacted. DNA: mtDNA available in FBI NMPDD
Case Details
On August 19, 2004, the skeletal remains of the victim were found in the elevator shaft in a vacant Center City building. It was speculated that the man may have been scavenging for scrap and fell down the shaft. The skeleton was found partially submerged in water and buried under trash that filled about 1 1/2 stories of the shaft. The building, located at 2200 Arch Street, is the former Belber Building. It had been vacant for 15-20 years and, at the time the skeleton was found, was being converted to luxury condominiums. A construction worker was clearing the trash out of the elevator shaft when he came upon the remains.
The Belber Building at 2200 Arch Street before the renovation and conversion to luxury condos. Click on the image for a larger view.
If you have any information about this case, please contact:
Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office 215-685-7445
Unless otherwise noted, please send any information and/or potential matches to the law enforcement agency or coroner/medical examiner listed on the case file(s). Thank you!
