Valerie Reyes worked at a Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, New York. Police said she was reported missing Jan. 30 after she did not show up for work
The body of a young woman was found stuffed in a suitcase on the side of the road in Greenwich, Connecticut, leaving residents of the wealthy town shaken.
On Tuesday at about 8:15 a.m., a highway worker found a large red suitcase in a wooded area on an isolated stretch of Glenville Road in Greenwich and immediately called police, Capt. Robert Berry of the Greenwich Police Department told reporters at a press conference later that day.
On Thursday, Berry identified the woman as 24-year-old Valerie Reyes of New Rochelle, New York.
“Valerie had been reported missing to the New Rochelle Police Department and was last seen on January 29th at about 9am. Her family was advised of the positive identification last night. They are obviously devastated by the loss of Valerie and our heartfelt condolences go out to them,” Berry said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press. “The Greenwich Police Department is dedicated to identifying those responsible for the death of Valerie and ensuring justice for her and her family.”
The chief medical examiner’s office completed an autopsy but has yet to release the cause of Reyes’ death. Her family was notified on Wednesday evening, according to Berry.
Inside the suitcase was Reyes’ body with her hands and feet bound, Berry said, CNN reports.
“We have no doubt there was a homicide involved,” he said.
Authorities have no idea how or where she was killed – or how her remains ended up in a suitcase on the side of the road.
Friends and co-workers told the AP that Reyes, who aspired to be a tattoo artist, worked at a Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, New York. Police said she was reported missing Jan. 30 after she did not show up for work.
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“We are continuing to follow-up on all leads and are currently focused on making a positive identification of the victim,” Greenwich Police Lt. John Slusarz said on Wednesday, according to the Greenwich Time.
Though Slusarz called the grim discovery “an isolated incident,” residents have still been left shaken.
“It was very upsetting when we originally heard about it,” resident Courtney King told local station ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
“I’m still trying to take this in,” resident Joe Allegro told the station. “I’ve got kids here. I didn’t know if it is an adult or a child.”
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious should contact the Greenwich Police Tip Line at 203- 622-3333.