Interpol's breakthrough: the woman with the flower tattoo finally identified after 30 years
For three decades, the identity of a woman, whose remains were discovered in the Groot Schijn river in Antwerp on June 3, 1992, remained unknown. Even though her body bore an original multicolored tattoo, no one recognized her. Now, after 31 years, she finally has a name.
5:58 PM EST, November 16, 2023
Rita Roberts has been identified as the victim, thanks to Interpol's recently announced operation titled "Identify Me". The international police organization requested society's help in solving 22 mysterious female deaths in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As part of the operation, specifics were published online to facilitate identifying the found bodies.
Among the identified victims is Rita, Interpol showcased her tattoo - a black flower with green leaves and the signature "R'Nick", situated on her left forearm. The woman with a distinctive tattoo, which was quite unusual 30 years ago, was up until now an unidentified murder victim.
A family member saw the distinct tattoo on the online platform and recognized it. The British man reached out through the "Identify me" platform. Rita Roberts' family subsequently met with Belgian investigators working on the cold case of the body discovered in the river in the 90s.
As relayed by "Paris Match", enough details were corroborated by both parties to confirm the identity as that of a resident of Cardiff, who had left for Antwerp in February 1992. The last known contact with the woman was a postcard sent to her family in May 1992.
Unraveling the mystery: identifying the woman with the floral tattoo took 30 years
Rita Roberts' body was discovered on June 3, 1992, snagged on a metal grate on the bank of the Groot Schijn river in Antwerp. For years, the only certitude was that the young woman met a violent end.
Through the family's account, we now know that Rita had a spirit for adventure, was the life of the party, joyful and kind-hearted, and very curious. For her loved ones, the news of her death has been a shocking and heart-wrenching revelation. But it also solves the mystery of her abrupt disappearance, especially since family bonds were highly valued by her.
The circumstances surrounding the crime remain undetermined. The only thing that is known is that she suffered a violent death. Hopefully, with more details of Rita's case expected to be uncovered, her killer will be brought to justice.
