Police find dead body after radio station caller’s tip
By David Collins
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FREDERICK, Maryland (WBAL) — A police investigation is underway after a bizarre call to a radio station led officers to a body in a wooded area in Frederick.
The caller told DC101’s “Elliott in the Morning Show” that he had found a dead body near East Avenue and Monocacy Boulevard almost three weeks ago.
Frederick residents hope police get to the bottom of what happened and why.
“I sent Diane a few pictures of me exploring nature, and look what I came upon,” the caller said on the show.
“Dude, you found a dead body?” the host replied.
The caller, who said his name was Joseph before saying that it is not his real name, told the hosts he found a dead body 18 days ago at a campsite in a wooded area in Frederick.
“Dude, call the cops. Call the cops. Are the remains still at that campsite?” the host asked.
Frederick police confirmed to WBAL-TV 11 News that they found a body in the location. On Tuesday, police said they have yet to identify the remains due to the advanced state of decomposition. Preliminarily, police said the investigation does not indicate foul play.
Laura Smith, a Frederick resident, said the situation is bizarre, and Ray Rudolph, another Frederick resident, said it is strange and unusual.
Detectives are still working to identify the individual. In a statement, the state medical examiner said, “The responding agency is in the process of attempting to obtain positive identification and the autopsy results are pending.”
Frederick residents wonder if the death was an overdose or even weather-related.
“Something that needs to be investigated to see if there is anything pertinent,” Rudolph said.
The radio caller said he found the body at a campsite in a tent city. Frederick police said they do not believe there is any threat to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Nicole Smith at 301-600-2102 or email her hat NESmith@FrederickMDPolice.org.
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