By: Richard L. Smith
Human remains discovered earlier this year in a wooded section of Burlington County have been positively identified as a woman who had been missing for nearly three years, according to New Jersey State Police.
Authorities said the remains were identified as Denice Smith, who was 51 years old when she disappeared from her Woodland Township residence on October 9, 2023.
In the days following Smith’s disappearance, New Jersey State Police conducted several search-and-rescue operations throughout the area but were unable to locate her.
The investigation remained active over the following years as detectives with the NJSP Missing Persons Unit and Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office at Red Lion Station continued searching, following up on tips from the public and pursuing additional investigative leads.
According to State Police, a coordinated search conducted by the Burlington County Search and Rescue Volunteer Team on April 12, 2026, led to the discovery of human remains near Laurel Lane and Cedar Lane in Woodland Township.
Forensic comparisons conducted by Dr. Anna Delaney of the NJSP Forensic Anthropology Unit were later reviewed by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities said that on or about August 24, 2026, the remains were formally identified as Smith, bringing closure to a missing person investigation that had remained open for nearly three years.