Woman Found Dead in Lakewood Tent Identified

Ocean County authorities have identified the body of a woman found dead Saturday night in a makeshift tent in woods in Lakewood as former Township resident 38-year-old Yolanda Kelly of New York. 

Although no obvious signs of trauma were visible, the circumstances surrounding Kelly's death are suspicious, pending an autopsy, Township police said.

Kelly's body was found in woods near Ocean and Cedarbridge Avenues after police received a report of the dead woman.

Authorities said Kelly had been visiting friends over the weekend and was located in an area familiar to her, where residents gathered to socialize.

Lakewood Police Department Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office are investigating.  The Ocean County Sheriff's Department CSI Unit and Chaveriem (a local volunteer group, who provides assistance with equipment such as portable light sources or manpower when needed) provided assistance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. LeRoy Marshall at 732-363-0200 or Det. John Carroll at 732-929-2027.