31-Year-Old Homeless Mom Found Dead in Suitcase in Long Island Woods

Authorities have identified a body discovered inside a suitcase in the woods of Long Island, New York, as that of a 31-year-old homeless woman who had been reported missing in mid-August.

Seikeya Jones was reported missing on August 16, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. The tragic discovery of her remains was made on September 3, near an apartment complex on Nassau Road in Huntington Station after neighbors alerted the police about a strong, unpleasant odor.

Police soon arrived at the scene and found the body within the suitcase, which was located adjacent to the apartment building, as reported by multiple local news sources.

The cause of death is pending, as an autopsy is being conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Meanwhile, investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death, although no arrests have been made thus far.

Neighbors described the horrifying scent that permeated the area. One resident recounted, “The police came and lifted it and saw it was a body. The smell was rancid. Potent. Something I’ve smelled before.”

On the night before the discovery, one complex resident reported hearing a woman scream around 3 a.m. on September 1. Another resident recalled seeing Jones enter the complex with an unidentified man, sharing video evidence of this encounter with NBC New York.

Friends of Jones have shared that she was a devoted mother who had faced significant challenges in recent years. Mary Waldron, a longtime friend who has known Jones since high school, conveyed her feelings about the situation, describing Jones as a bright and positive individual who experienced a decline that left her living on the streets.

“We called her Keya,” Waldron said. “She was a really sweet girl. She was always smiling. She was always happy. She did not deserve this.”

The police have urged anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. They have provided contact details for the department’s Homicide Squad detectives, specifically at 631-852-6392, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

The tragic loss of Seikeya Jones has drawn significant attention to the challenges faced by homeless individuals, raising questions about safety and support for vulnerable populations. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the shock of this incident while hoping for justice and answers for Jones and her loved ones.