Bay Ridge

Cops hunt killer of woman found in Owl’s Head Park

Victim was beaten to death, coroner says

October 4, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The victim’s body was discovered inside Owl’s Head Park on Thursday morning.  Eagle photo by Paula Katinas
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The Police Department has released video of a person of interest in connection with the mysterious death of a Bay Ridge woman whose badly beaten body was found inside Owl’s Head Park on Sept. 29.

The video, taken from a surveillance camera, appears to a show a man walking on Second Avenue in the direction of Owl’s Head Park on Thursday with the victim, Jennifer Cohen, 29, who was found dead Thursday morning in Millennium Skate Park inside Owl’s Head Park at Colonial Road and 67th Street.

The man in the video is described by police as 5-foot-8, about 175 pounds and was wearing a black jacket with white trim, black shorts with white trim, dark sneakers and a dark baseball cap.

The NYPD has posted the video to its Twitter account.

Cohen, who lived near the park, was discovered lying face down inside Millennium Skate Park at around 9:30 a.m., police said.

The body was discovered by an off-duty firefighter who was jogging near the scene.

The victim, who was wearing a blue shirt and black pants, had suffered a blunt force wound to the head, according to police. The New York Daily News reported that the victim’s blonde hair was matted with blood. There was also a great deal of blood on her face, the Daily News reported.

Citing police sources, the Daily News reported that the victim had no identification on her body and that a pocketbook found nearby contained hypodermic needles and condoms.

The area of Owl’s Head Park where the body was discovered, Millennium Skate Park, is an enclosed section on the eastern end of the park. The skate park is a popular spot for kids.

The slaying shocked and saddened Bay Ridge residents and community leaders.

“I have every confidence that the NYPD will investigate and apprehend and bring those responsible for this horrific crime to justice. From all media reports it is clear this appears to be a vicious attack on a young woman and the perpetrator must be swiftly apprehended,” Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann wrote on her Facebook page.

Beckmann expressed concern, however, about rumor and innuendo about the victim’s life.

“I am deeply concerned that posts on social media released very personal information about the victim’s past which may have a negative impact on this investigation. Her past history may or may not be relevant to this crime and I would hope that anyone with information would come forward to assist law enforcement as they examine this case. Further, I am confident that regardless of her alleged past personal struggles the NYPD will thoroughly investigate what appears to be a heinous crime against a young woman in our community, a victim who deserves dignity and respect as the investigation into her death moves forward,” Beckmann wrote.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577–8477. The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

The Police Department video can be viewed at https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/782913375126913024.

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