Police hope heart-shaped tattoo can help them identify body found in Brigham City

BRIGHAM CITY — Police are seeking to identify a body with a "distinct" arm tattoo that was found Wednesday in a trash bag by the side of the road outside Brigham City.

Union Pacific workers located a black garbage bag about 2 p.m. near 2600 West on state Route 13 while picking up trash in the area. The bag felt heavy, and the workers observed hair and bones in the bag and called police.

Brigham City police confirmed the contents of the bag were human and are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes said the department has been in contact with Cottonwood Heights police and are "confident" it isn't Matt Johnson, who police say was killed by his estranged wife last fall. But it is still possible, he said.

In a press conference Thursday, Brigham City police detective Crystal Beck said the body was not missing any parts and had long hair held back by a hair tie. The body was dressed in what appeared to be female clothing, including a black hoodie and leggings.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy but was unable to determine age, race, ethnicity or gender due to its state of decomposition, Beck said.

On Friday, police released a rendering of a "distinct" heart-shaped tattoo with letters inside that was found on the victim's left bicep area.

"We are hopeful a friend or family member of the victim's may recognize this tattoo, which could aid in the expediency of our investigation," Brigham City police said.

It appears the remains have been there for some time, at least a couple of months, according to Reyes. Officers were searching for additional evidence and looking at missing persons lists that could help them identify the victim. Police said the bag was found about 20 feet away from the railroad tracks and 2600 West.

Anyone with information, videos or pictures of the area is encouraged to contact police at 435-856-7023.

Related topics