42 Years Later, NJ State Police Still Seek Identity of Murder Victim
East Orange, N.J. — Somewhere, a family has spent the last four decades not knowing what happened to someone they loved. New Jersey State Police are now hoping new investigative techniques can finally help identify a woman who was murdered in Essex County in 1984.
42 years ago today, on September 14th, 1984, a young Black woman was murdered during a domestic violence incident on Eppirt Street in East Orange.
Known Only as "L.A." or "Loranda"
At the time, her associates knew her as "L.A." or "Loranda." Her true identity has never been established, leaving unanswered questions about who she was, where she came from, and the family who loved her.
Through the efforts of the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, and the East Orange Police Department, her remains were located and exhumed so that a new DNA profile could be developed.
Investigators Turn to Genetic Genealogy
With support from federal grant funding and a partnership with Ramapo College of New Jersey, investigators are pursuing investigative genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying her and ultimately reuniting her with her family.
How to Help NJ State Police
Anyone who may recognize this woman or have information about her identity is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at (609) 882-2000. Anonymous tips are welcome.
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Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for WPUR Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com.
