Man's Skeleton Identified: State Police Ask For Help After Nearly 50-Year Cold Case In NJ

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Authorities sent out a new call for help on Monday regarding a nearly 50-year-old Cumberland County cold case.

The body of Robert L. Waith Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland, was identified in 2025 after his skeletal remains were found near Hall Avenue on Nov. 21, 1979.

Officials were then able to determine that the case was a homicide and that his death occurred between 1977 and 1979.

In 2024, the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit reopened the case and collaborated with the FBI on genetic work to find a match.

Waith was 20 years old when he went missing and was last seen by his family in August of 1977 when he left his home in Baltimore.

He graduated from William S. Baer School in Baltimore and was unable to hear or speak.

Waith loved music and movies involving Elvis Presley and "was kind and would help anyone," his obituary stated.

Detectives are asking anyone who knew Waith, had contact with him, or has any other information to reach out to ColdCase@njsp.gov or 1-833-465-2653.

Tips can also stay anonymous, officials added.

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