Text Version:
Paul Murnane, reporter: In 14 years, the woman has mentioned two names. She may have lived in Columbia, say authorities, but they wonder if it's Colonia, near the mall where she was found. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the woman has suffered from amnesia or dementia over the years. "She's not alone in that among the lost," says Todd Matthews at the www.DoeNetwork.org for unidentified and missing persons.
Todd Matthews: It's hard to place them. We've been looking at them with the www.NamUs.gov system, and that's the new National Database for Missing and Unidentified Persons with the Department of Justice, and they're sort of unique.
Paul Murnane: The woman no longer speaks and is bedridden in a facility in Hunterdon County, NJ. Paul Murnane, WCBS 880 News.
________________________________________________________
NJ Woman Still Unidentified After 14 Years
GLEN GARDNER, NJ (AP / WCBS 880) -- State officials are launching their biggest effort yet to learn the identity of a woman found wandering the Woodbridge Center mall 14 years ago.
She spoke only Spanish and couldn't remember her name or where she lived. And she carried an empty purse with no identification.
Alternately referred to as ``Jane Doe'' and ``Elba,'' since been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is now bedridden at the Garrett Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County.
Beginning this week, Human Services officials will circulate her photos to media outlets, particularly the Spanish-speaking press.
They've also contacted the consulates for the Colombian and Venezuelan governments and plan to canvass offices of other Central and South America countries.
Vital Statistics
Date Found - November 02, 1994
Location Found - Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey
Estimated Age: 44 - 54 years old (when found), Currently 55 - 70 years old
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Height: 5'2" to 5'4"
Weight: 135 to 145 lbs.
Identifying Marks: Scar on abdomen.
Jewelry: She was wearing what may be a wedding band in addition to another gold ring.
Case History: Amnesia victim was located wandering the Woodbridge Mall on November 2, 1994 in Woodbridge, New Jersey. In 1994, during a conversation, she stated that her name was Elba Leonor Socarras. She is Spanish-speaking and when she was found, she was well groomed and in good health. She is currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease and is unable to give any information that will aid in her identification. She has also mentioned the name of "Alba" and may also be associated to the name of "Altagracia Alvarez".
Place a banner to this case on your MySpace:
Simply copy and paste this code anywhere in to your MySpace proflile:
If you have any information on this case
Please use click this link below:
Resources for this case:
