Police Recover Unidentified Torso From Waters Near Jamaica Bay

Police Recover Unidentified Torso From Waters Near Jamaica Bay By Angela Rossi, Crime & Public Safety Reporter | February 13, 2026 | Community Safety NEW YORK — South Queens motorists experienced severe delays Thursday morning as the NYPD Harbor Unit conducted a recovery operation near the coordinates of Shellbank Basin, pulling an unidentified headless body from the water, according to ABC7 New York. The heavy emergency presence disrupted the local morning commute, bringing vehicle flow to a crawl. Harbor Unit Recovers Headless Body Near Shellbank Basin The NYPD Harbor Unit responded to a 911 call at approximately 7:15 a.m. regarding a floating object near the coastal marshlands. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the discovery of a human torso and immediately secured the area for forensic investigators. According to ABC7 New York, the medical examiner arrived on the scene by 9:00 a.m. to take custody of the remains. Investigators are currently checking missing persons databases across the tristate area to establish a potential identity. Commuters Experience Severe Congestion Near Major Highway Entrances "The backup started right near the exit ramp for Cross Bay Boulevard," said commuter Evelyn Vance, who was stuck in her vehicle for over forty minutes. Vance added that the presence of several emergency vehicles on the shoulder forced drivers to merge into a single lane, causing a significant bottleneck. Traffic safety officers were deployed to direct vehicles away from the immediate shoreline area where NYPD vehicles were parked. Commuters were advised to use alternate routes, but rubbernecking continued to slow down traffic on belt parkway throughout the morning hours. Medical Examiner Launches Forensic Analysis on Recovered Torso Preliminary forensic examinations indicate that the body had been in the water for several days before being spotted by a local boater. The NYPD Missing Persons Squad is working closely with marine units to search adjacent waterways for any additional evidence. According to an NYPD spokesperson, a full autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death and to search for any identifying marks or tattoos. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding recent disappearances in the area to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline. Marine Search Operations Expand Near Shellbank Basin Waterways The recovery area is located near a busy recreational waterway where local residents frequently dock personal watercraft. NYPD dive teams continued to scan the seabed near the coordinates of the initial recovery through Thursday afternoon. These efforts are part of a broader protocol triggered by suspicious water recoveries to ensure no evidence is overlooked. Drivers can find more information about how these operations impact regional mobility by reviewing the report compiled by transit analysts. Transit Officials Warn of Continued Delays Near South Queens Corridors Transportation planners noted that the combination of local curiosity and emergency vehicles could keep speeds below fifteen miles per hour through the evening rush. Drivers heading eastbound toward John F. Kennedy International Airport are urged to plan for at least thirty minutes of extra travel time. For realtime updates on local road conditions, residents are monitoring regional broadcasting feeds. You can review the to trace the development of the investigation and find alternative commuting pathways. Frequently Asked Questions What should boaters do if they notice suspicious activity or objects in the Shellbank Basin area? Boaters who observe anything unusual in the water should immediately contact the NYPD Harbor Unit or dial 911. It is critical not to disturb the area or any floating objects, as this could compromise potential forensic evidence. Boaters are also advised to keep a safe distance from active police vessels and dive teams conducting search operations. How is the NYPD working to identify the recovered remains? The NYPD is utilizing advanced DNA analysis and comparing the physical characteristics of the torso with active missing persons files from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Forensic pathologists are also examining the remains for unique bone structures, surgical implants, or other medical markers. Updates on the identification process will be released through the NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Police Recover Unidentified Torso From Waters Near Jamaica Bay

Public Safety & Crime

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