FREDERICA, Delaware (AP) -- The apparent suicide of a woman found hanging from a tree went unreported for hours because passers-by thought the body was a Halloween decoration, authorities said.
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NEW YORK CITY (BNN) -- Lady Liberty has mysteriously disappeared from New York Harbor.
New York City Harbor Police are dredging the Hudson River in search of Liberty, but hope is dwindling.
The head of the NYPD Harbor Unit, Deputy Inspector Kelleher, discussed recent developments in a press briefing. He confirmed rumors that police have recovered a damaged crown, an extinquished torch, and a broken tablet with Roman numerals on it.
When asked if the police had any theories about why Liberty was attacked, he replied, "We do not know if this was a crime of opportunity or part of a larger crime spree." In response to a related question, he noted "The crown was left behind, suggesting the motive was not simple robbery." He would not comment on the degree of damage to the crown, or whether any blood was found at the scene. He refused to comment on rumors that a portion along the back of the crown was severely dented.
The extinquished torch raised the possibility that Lady Liberty may have been caught by surprise. However, he cautioned reporters not to draw conclusions from that particular finding. "We simply don't know when the light of Liberty was extinquished," he said.
In response to questions regarding the broken tablet as evidence that Lady Liberty put up a fight, or at least tried to defend herself, he responded, "At this point we are still trying to determine whether the tablet was broken by a blow or if it was simply dropped."
Kellerhan stated the matter is currently being treated as a missing person's case, but this may change as the investigation develops. He appealed to the public for help, saying, "Anyone with any information concerning the whereabouts of Liberty is urged to contact their local authorities." He warned people to exercise extreme caution if they cross paths with the criminals, saying "We are dealing with hardened professional criminals here. This crime could not have been perpetrated without extraordinary resources and expertise. Whoever took down Lady Liberty should be considered armed and extremely dangerous."
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"For the little stealin' dey gits you in jail soon or late.
For de big stealin' dey makes you Emperor."
-- Paul Robeson as Brutus Jones, in "Emperor Jones"