Executive Summary
- State Police are seeking to identify a man found dead in Brewster, NY, on October 9, 1995.
- The victim purchased blankets in New Rochelle 48 hours prior to his death and likely traveled via Metro-North.
- Distinct physical details include a mole on the right cheek, perfect teeth, and specific branded clothing.
BREWSTER, N.Y. — New York State Police have renewed their appeal for public assistance in identifying a man found dead three decades ago in Putnam County, hoping that detailed descriptions and the passage of time might generate new leads in the cold case.
According to investigators, the body of an unidentified male was discovered on October 9, 1995, in a wooded area adjacent to the Garden Street School in Brewster. Authorities at the time ruled the death a suicide resulting from self-inflicted wounds to the wrists.
State Police descriptions indicate the deceased was a male between 40 and 50 years of age, standing approximately five feet, nine inches tall, and weighing 165 pounds. Investigators noted distinct physical characteristics, including brown eyes, a light gray receding hairline on short black hair, and a mole on the right side of his face. The official report further detailed that the man had "perfect teeth" and a medium brown complexion, suggesting he may have been of African American or Hispanic descent.
At the time of discovery, the man was well-dressed in brown leather Docker loafers, tan Haggar knit pants (size 33 by 30), and two plaid button-down shirts. He wore a long-sleeved green, black, and yellow Kenneth Gordon brand shirt over a short-sleeved blue, green, and red Gentleman’s Row brand shirt. A gold crucifix was also recovered from the scene.
The investigation revealed that the man had purchased two expensive blankets at a curtain store in New Rochelle, New York, 48 hours prior to the discovery of his body. Police believe he subsequently traveled to Brewster via the Metro-North Railroad.
Investigative Outlook
The decision by the New York State Police to highlight this 1995 case emphasizes the enduring challenges surrounding unidentified decedents in law enforcement databases. While the manner of death was established long ago, the primary objective remains the identification of the individual to notify next of kin. Investigators are relying on the specificity of the evidence—particularly the New Rochelle retail transaction and distinct clothing—to jog the memory of potential witnesses. This renewed effort underscores the strategic utility of revisiting cold cases, as shifts in technology and community demographics can occasionally yield breakthroughs in decades-old mysteries.
