(Mardela Springs, MD) - Members of the the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation (WBI) are continuing their investigation into the identity of a body discovered along Taylors Trail off Athol Road in the western part of the county last week.

                On Wednesday, December 29, 2004, shortly before 2:00 p.m., members of a highway maintenance crew were working along Taylors Trail.  Workers discovered what appeared to be the significantly decomposed body of a man in a wooded area along the roadside.  Investigators from the WBI were notified and responded to conduct the investigation. Evidence collection technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division were summoned to the scene.

Preliminary evidence at the scene indicates the body is a male and was dumped at the location several months to one year ago.  The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for purposes of identification and to determine a cause of death.

                On Monday, January 3, 2005, investigators were notified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that the remains are those of a black male, with an age range of 25 to 30 years.    The victim appeared to be 5’-07” to 5’-10” tall.  Investigators are not disclosing any additional information as to how the body was positioned, etc.  A pair of jeans worn by the victim were found at the scene.  A distinctive logo of a “Fat Albert character” carrying a football is sewn on a rear pocket. 

                The WBI is comprised of representatives from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office and Maryland State Police.  The WBI is being assisted by members of the State Police Homicide Unit.

INVESTIGATORS ARE ASKING ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION REGARDING THIS CRIME TO PLEASE CALL THE WICOMICO BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AT 410-548-4891/4892 EXT. 226.

CONTACT:           Detective Sam Workman

                                Wicomico Bureau of Investigation

                                410-548-4891            

                This investigation is continuing…