Family identifies remains of woman found along Queens highway; identity of killer remains unknown.
A woman whose dismembered remains were discovered in a bag along a Queens highway had been missing for several months prior to the grim discovery, according to family members. The remains of 27-year-old Christina Purdie were found by a city Department of Transportation worker on August 6, 2025, on the Jackie Robinson Parkway near Vermont Place. Reports indicate that she was last seen alive at the end of May of the same year, raising questions surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance and subsequent death.
The New York City medical examiner ruled the cause of death as “homicidal violence,” a determination that suggests a murder despite the inability to ascertain specific details regarding the method of killing. The alarming nature of the ruling underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Purdie’s death, leaving both law enforcement and her family to grapple with questions of motive and the identity of the perpetrator.
Geneva Purdie, a cousin of the deceased, expressed a mixture of gratitude and horror at the discovery of her cousin’s body. She reflected that if the DOT worker had chosen a different route that day, they may have never uncovered what happened to Christina. Family members were able to identify Christina through her distinctive rose tattoo and jewelry seen in news coverage following the discovery of the remains.
Despite the identification of her body, the family continues to seek answers, lamenting the lack of closure in understanding why Christina was killed and who may be responsible for her tragic fate. Geneva Purdie articulated the fear and uncertainty that looms over the family, contemplating whether the killer may have had ties to their household.
The challenges in Christina’s life appear to have compounded in the years leading up to her death, particularly following the loss of her father, who died of COVID-19 in 2022. Reports suggest that she experienced significant struggles, living in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn prior to her disappearance. Her family had expressed concern about her lifestyle choices and attempts to steer her towards safer pursuits.
As Christina approached her 27th birthday, there were indications that she was striving to turn her life around. She had begun working as a home health aide and was in the process of applying for affordable housing. However, her hopes for a fresh start were abruptly cut short shortly before her birthday.
The discovery of Christina Purdie’s remains has ignited discussions about violence against women and the perils faced by those in vulnerable situations. The urgency for answers in this unsettling case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing homicide cases, particularly those involving individuals who may be at higher risk due to socioeconomic factors.
As the investigation continues, Christina’s family remains steadfast in their quest for justice, reflecting on the life of a young woman who, like many, had aspirations and dreams that were tragically quashed. Media News Source will provide ongoing coverage of this developing story.
