Forensic professor weighs in on Fayetteville police efforts to identify deceased woman

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville police are turning to the public for help in identifying a deceased woman, releasing a digitally created image in hopes of uncovering her identity and connecting her with her family.

Jeffrey Zak, who works at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), said it takes an incredible amount of skill and training to be able to create an image like that.

"It's just amazing to me," Zak told ABC11, adding that it's rare that there is such little evidence that law enforcement needs to seek community help identifying someone.

He said At FTCC, students in criminal justice programs receive hands-on training in crime scene investigation techniques, such as photographing scenes and collecting fingerprints, often working alongside local law enforcement.

Despite checking local reports and searching the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS), authorities have yet to find a match. They do not suspect foul play.

Anyone with information on this woman's identity is asked to please contact Detective H. Vernon with the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 758-6700. Information can also be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically.