Heart pendant could be key in identifying woman's remains found in Ocoee

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Remains found near an Orange County road last week appear to be those of a female, investigators said Monday.

A road crew found the bones in the woods off Hackney Prairie Road near Ocoee on Friday. Investigators said the bones were found on the surface and didn't appear to have been buried.

At a news conference Monday, investigators said the medical examiner determined the remains to be those of a woman between the ages of 20 and 30.

"At this time we have determined that the body is that of a female of possible African descent with a small frame," said Orange County Sheriff's Investigator David Phelan.

Investigators also released a photo of a piece of heart-shaped jewelry, possibly a pendant from a necklace, they found with the remains.

According to investigators, the woman was wearing size seven jeans and a Tommy Hilfiger zippered jacket.

Investigators said they have no missing person's reports from Orange County of anyone fitting the description they gave out Monday. They're now contacting other agencies in the central Florida with the description.

"Even if someone hasn't been reported missing, that piece of jewelry may spark someone's memory of who that person is and (they will) be able to contact us and tell us," said Phelan.

Investigators said the medical examiner has not yet confirmed a possible cause of death.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Speculation swirled Friday that the find could be missing Ocoee woman Tracy Ocasio, but that was ruled out by investigators early on.

Previous Story:   Authorities: Remains found in Orange County not Tracy Ocasio

WFTV