New Jersey mystery: Tattooed woman’s body found inside fridge in forest, cops arrest man who discovered it

The body of an unidentified tattooed woman was discovered in a refrigerator dumped in Belleplain State Forest, prompting an investigation by New Jersey authorities.

Police are appealing for help from the public to identify the woman, whose body was found in the woods on December 22, 2024, the New York Post reported.

According to the police, the woman is believed to be around 5 feet 1 inch tall, with striking tattoos — a koi fish on her right shoulder blade and a rose design on her ribs.

A yoga mat and a necklace were found near the body but the cause of her death remains undetermined.

Investigators have released photos of the tattoos, yoga mat and jewelry in hopes of identifying her.

Meanwhile, John Tyrrell, a 46-year-old man from Cape May County and a registered adult offender, has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Although Tyrrell has not been charged with the woman’s death, authorities have accused him of fourth-degree obstruction after he allegedly refused to surrender his cell phone or be fingerprinted during their probe.

Notably, Tyrrell claimed he found the refrigerator while hiking through the forest on December 21 and discovered the woman’s body the following day. He alerted the authorities and led them to the scene.

Though Tyrrell helped the police find the body, he has refused to provide further information, raising suspicions.

His attorney has said that Tyrrell is merely a witness with no evidence connecting him to the woman’s death.

Tyrrell’s lawyer also suggested that he may have been upset by being asked to hand over his phone and submit to fingerprinting.

On Monday, a judge ordered Tyrrell’s release after he was held in jail for a few days, but he is required to check in with court staff as the investigation continues.

Authorities are still working to identify the woman and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The tattoos found on her body may hold the key to her identity.

The koi fish tattoo on her right shoulder blade and the floral design on her ribs are distinctive features.