Help sought with funeral for ex-Greensburg woman whose remains were found in suitcase
Family members of a former Greensburg woman whose remains were discovered in a suitcase in Georgia are seeking help in preparing a service to remember their loved one.
Brother Dylan Caldwell has set up a GoFundMe page seeking donations for a funeral service for Jessica Ashley Manchini, who authorities say would have been 29 at the time her remains were discovered July 29, 2016, in a suitcase along Interstate 985 in Buford, Ga.
Last month, officials were able to use new technology to re-examine faded ink on a suitcase tag, revealing a partial name and address that linked the case with a missing person report filed in December 2014 by Manchini’s mother.
Dental records and medical records were used to confirm the remains are Manchini’s, according to police in Gwinnett County, Ga., who said the cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.
“Heartbroken can’t even begin to describe” the family’s reaction to Manchini’s loss, Caldwell wrote. “She was more than our sister. She was a little bit of everything.”
As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had raised about $3,000 toward the $5,000 goal. Caldwell said he hopes to prepare a service for his sister before July 30, her 32nd birthday.
Police said Manchini spent the last few years of her life in Gwinnett County.
Anyone who has information to share with investigators is asked to call Gwinnett County police at 770-513-5300.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or visiting www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.