A grim discovery in Huntington, Long Island, New York has sent shockwaves through the community as authorities identified the body found inside a suitcase as that of Seikeya Jones, a 31-year-old woman who had been reported missing since August 16, 2024.
On Tuesday, September 3, Suffolk County Police responded to a call about suspicious activity near an apartment complex on Nassau Road in Huntington Station. Upon arrival, officers made a disturbing find: a suitcase containing human remains in a wooded area behind the building.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office is now conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death as the investigation into this apparent homicide continues.
Jones was last seen near Fifth Avenue in Huntington Station. Police had previously issued a missing person alert for her on social media.
Local residents have provided crucial information to the authorities. Some shared surveillance footage with law enforcement officials showing Jones entering the apartment complex the previous week accompanied by an unidentified man. Another resident reported hearing a woman’s screams in the early hours of Sunday, September 1.
“You would never think that something like that would happen in your building or around your building,” neighbor Flavio Ribadeneyra told News12 Long Island.
A resident, who requested anonymity, reported noticing something unusual during her morning walk. She detected an odor and observed an unusually large number of flies in a specific area. Upon closer inspection, Taylor spotted a suitcase. Feeling that the situation was abnormal and potentially concerning, she decided to contact the police. She preferred to err on the side of caution by reporting what she considered to be an out-of-the-ordinary circumstance.
Friends and acquaintances of Jones have come to the location where her body was found to offer their condolences and remember her. Mary Waldron, who had known Jones since high school, spoke fondly of her friend. Waldron mentioned that they affectionately referred to Jones as Keya and described her as a person who was consistently cheerful and maintained a positive demeanor. However, Waldron noted that Jones had undergone some changes in her life recently, which ultimately led to her experiencing homelessness.
The area where Jones’ body was discovered is within walking distance of Huntington High School and Jack Abrams Stem Magnet School. Beth McCoy, Huntington schools superintendent, addressed the community’s concerns in a message sent on Tuesday: “We have been in communication with our local police who have assured us that this police activity poses no danger to our students or our school district.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad can be reached at 631-852-6392, and Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-220-TIPS for those who wish to remain anonymous.