The Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has released a photograph of a tattoo found on a decomposed body discovered last month in Fleming Island, as investigators continue working to identify the victim and determine the circumstances surrounding their death.
The remains were found on May 7 around 5:07 p.m., when a homeowner made the discovery near the bulkhead of their property along the St. Johns River, just off Highway 17. According to CCSO officials, the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, which has complicated efforts to confirm the individual’s identity and collect forensic evidence.
As part of the ongoing investigation, CCSO has released an image showing a partial tattoo located on the victim’s leg. The visible portion of the tattoo appears to consist of overlapping circular patterns. Authorities believe the victim had multiple tattoos on their legs, but the extent of the artwork could not be fully assessed due to the condition of the remains.
“The state of decomposition has limited our ability to view the entire tattoo,” the sheriff’s office stated in a public release. “However, we are hoping that someone may recognize the partial design and help us move forward in identifying the victim.”
The sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed the possible age, gender, or race of the deceased, and no further identifying details have been released. At this stage, it remains unclear how long the body had been at the location before being discovered or whether foul play is suspected.
The photo of the tattoo has been made available to the public in an effort to generate leads. Investigators are urging anyone who may recognize the tattoo or who might have relevant information to come forward.
“If you believe you have information related to this case, or if the tattoo looks familiar to you, please contact us immediately,” CCSO said.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Clay County Crime Stoppers or directly to the sheriff’s office.
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