Police release composite image of woman whose head was found

BARSTOW • Barstow police have released a composite image they hope will help identify a woman whose head was found in a backpack near Lenwood Road in February.

In early February, a man searching for cans along Lenwood Road found the black backpack. Inside the backpack was a woman’s head wrapped in plastic grocery bags imprinted with store labels of Fiesta Foods and Walgreens, according to police.

An autopsy was performed by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office on Feb. 17. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined and, while DNA samples and dental x-rays were obtained, the victim has not yet been identified.  The victim is believed to be a white or Hispanic female 14 to 19 years of age, according to police.  This was determined by examination of dental photos and x-rays.  The time of death has been estimated to be within 3 or 4 days of the discovery of the victim’s remains.

The image shown is a composite created by a forensic artist at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to show what the victim may have looked like while alive.  Some features are based on the artist’s estimation to complete the image and should not be used as significant markers for identification.

This investigation is on-going and anyone with information regarding the victim’s identity is urged to contact the Detective Keith Libby, Barstow Police Department Detective Division at (760) 255-5134.  Callers who wish to remain anonymous may contact the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or visit www.wetip.com.