Body of missing woman found in middlesex park, cause of death under investigation

Body of missing woman found in Middlesex park, cause of death under investigation

by
February 13, 2025
·

MIDDLESEX, N.J. — Authorities discovered the body of a missing woman in Haverstick Park on Saturday, a day after she was reported missing, officials said.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Middlesex Police Chief Matthew Geist announced that Jennifer Panek, 38, of Middlesex, was found unresponsive in the park at approximately 2:23 p.m. after a citizen reported suspicious items and called 911. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Panek was first reported missing on Friday, February 7, at around 3:22 p.m., prompting a search by the Middlesex Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities were unable to locate her that evening.

The cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy by the Middlesex County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

Authorities are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area to contact Detective Paul Cerreto of the Middlesex Police Department at 732-356-1900 ext. 366 or Detective Ryan Kirsh of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3711.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.