Officials: Child's Remains Found In Trash-Strewn Alleyway In Camden

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CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS/AP) – Authorities say human remains found in Camden this week were those of a child believed to have been a toddler.

Camden County prosecutors say the remains were found Thursday afternoon in a trash-strewn alleyway in the 800 block of Mount Ephraim Avenue. Authorities say someone walking down the alley smelled a foul odor, and then noticed human remains covered in trash.

The person flagged down a passing ambulance and police later flooded the area.

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The remains were determined to be that of a child, believed to be between 13- and 19-months-old and about 30 inches in length.

"The remains were of a possibly 1- to 2-year-old child, approximately 30 inches in length," said Camden Count Prosecutor's Office Chief Detective Bill Townsend. "The race and the gender are unable to be determined at this point."

An examiner couldn't determine gender or race because the body was so badly decomposed. Investigators describe it as being skeletonized.

They believe the body had been in the alley for at least two weeks.

Surveillance video near the alleyway has been confiscated and could eventually lead police to who did this. Right now, however, the most immediate concern in this investigation is identifying the little one whose body was left in the alley.

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Authorities believe the child was not reported missing because they have gone through all missing persons reports.

"We are seeking the public's help with identifying any family members, friends, neighbors that may have had a child in that age range they are not seeing anymore, may be a little suspicious," said Townsend. "Asking them to contact us and help us out in possibly identifying this child."

The child's remains have been sent to a lab to try and learn its gender and race, but authorities are really hoping someone comes forward and identifies the child.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor's Office Detective Matthew Barber at (856) 225-5166.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)