Missing Staten Island Teen Located in NJ, Dead

Jessica Tush was last seen alive Wednesday at the Staten Island Mall where she works. New Jersey police officials are now confirming that the body of a young woman found in a shallow grave by hikers in the Garden State's Pine Barrens was that of the missing teenager. An initial medical examination indicates that Tush was likely strangled to death. It was originally suspected that Jessica was abducted by force from the mall, but sources told the Staten Island Advance that it now looks like she left the mall with someone she knew.

After she was unable to contact her daughter, Tush's mother posted a frantic message on her daughter's MySpace page Thursday afternoon:

"Jessica was last seen at BCBG at 2 pm on Wednesday on April 2. She was supposed to go to AJ's Wake at Bedell. Did anyone see her there??? Has any one seen her today or even yesterday? Please it is very important to get in touch with us immediately."

Hikers at the Pine Barrens discovered the body Thursday. NJ State police identified the victim as the missing teen later that day.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Dave Hogarty in News on April 4, 2008 3:47 PM

Comments [rss]

J4Justice

See Jessica Tush's Story on You Tube

iam2

"one down, a million more white people to go"

Who will pay the taxes to feed your bastard children then, you subhuman scum? I can't believe you actually went and wrote this, in this of all news items. Living in a city so full of animals like yourself, you must be one of those insane fools who honestly believes whites really are the scared little pussies you see on TV. Just remember: as much as you hate us, we fucking hate you a million times more, even when we smile and treat you like a halfway human creature during the day.

You piece of garbage.

Wolfman

I wonder why all the murders in Jersey you wind up dead in the Pine Barrens or outside of Alantic City. Do you think the Jersey Devil had anything to do with it as this part of Jersey is his stomping grounds. Go to Leed and ask some questions. The Wolfman

ironman1013

U Fuckers who think your funny will some day have someone U really LOVE DIE.Quoting bullshit from the Sopranos or songs are not appropriate.Think of the families and friends involved in this.I think some of U really need a Reality CZECH.

west side Michael

Sickos lonely in their spiritual impotence.

eyekantspel

How can anyone mock the death of this teenager? What a sick fucking group of people.

agreed

gimme

yeah wonder if the killer had that zz top song cycling in his head, well he found some and killed some

bornbrednewyorker

How can anyone mock the death of this teenager? What a sick fucking group of people.

NYDirk

They originally searched lower Manhattan after receiving a tip from a bearded man:

I ain't askin' for much
I said Lord take me downtown
I'm just looking for some Tush