Identification of British Woman's Body Achieved 31 Years After Murder
Interpol announced on Tuesday that, more than three decades after her murder, the woman discovered in a Belgian river 31 years ago has been identified as Rita Roberts from Cardiff, Wales, thanks to her distinctive flower tattoo and a worldwide appeal.
Roberts, discovered beside a grate in the Het Groot Schijn river in Antwerp on June 3, 1992, had a tattoo featuring a black flower with green leaves and the inscription “R’Nick” on her right forearm.
At the age of 31, Rita Roberts was identified when a family member in the United Kingdom recognized her tattoo on the news and informed Interpol and Belgian authorities, according to a statement by Interpol.
The breakthrough occurred following an international appeal on Interpol's Identify Me web page, where police share previously confidential information, known as Black Notices, about unsolved cases, seeking input from the public. Launched in May of this year, the page aims to identify 22 women found dead in recent decades in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Rita Roberts is the first of the 22 victims to be identified.
The information provided by the public has also led to progress in other cold cases. Rita Roberts has been formally identified by her family, who traveled to Belgium to meet with investigators. The family, quoted in the statement, expressed gratitude for uncovering what happened to Rita, despite the difficulty of processing the news.
– ‘A beautiful person’ –
Durham, England, police reported providing assistance to the family, with some members residing in the area, "throughout this emotionally challenging period for them."
The Durham Constabulary labeled the case as "historic."
Quoting a statement from the family, who wished to remain anonymous, Durham police conveyed that they had last received communication from the victim through a postcard from Belgium in May 1992. The family expressed the shock and heartbreak upon learning the news, stating, "Our passionate, loving, and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away. There are no words to truly express the grief we felt at that time, and still feel today."
"Rita was a beautiful person who adored traveling. She loved her family, especially her nephews and nieces, and always aspired to have a family of her own," shared the family.
They added, "She had the ability to light up a room, and wherever she went, she was the life and soul of the party. We hope that wherever she is now, she is at peace."
Belgian police are seeking further input from the public to elucidate the circumstances surrounding Roberts' violent death. It was noted that Roberts was believed to have spent time in the Netherlands.
Described as 1.70 meters (five feet, seven inches) tall, she was wearing a blue-green-purple T-shirt, Adidas jogging trousers, and hiking boots at the time of her discovery.
"After 31 years, an unidentified murdered woman has been given her name back, bringing some closure to her family," stated Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock.
"Such cases underscore the crucial need to connect police worldwide, particularly when missing persons are involved."
Interpol is an inter-governmental organization facilitating police cooperation among its 195 member countries.
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