Forensic Sculptor's Final Reconstruction

"Woman in the Woods"

A local forensic sculptor struggling with terminal cancer made his last push to solve a cold case in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Frank Bender, a world-renowned forensic sculptor, has helped the FBI, Interpol, Scotland Yard, and "America's Most Wanted” crack cases when trails went cold.

Because of his late-stage lung cancer, however, Bender can no longer go on sculpting. Before he stops, though, he made sure to help out investigators one last time.

Earlier, he spoke with NBC 10's Doug Shimell, maintaining a wonderful and optimistic attitude.

Tuesday, Bender unveiled his final facial reconstruction—the artistic recreation of the face of the woman known as the “Woman in the Woods,” a dead female found in Williams Township. Police believe she was murdered and left among the trees. She was discovered December 30, 2001—and police still don’t know who she is.

But with this reconstruction, Bender and local police hope they’ll finally be able to put a name to the face.

To make these sculptures, Bender relies on years of study and practice while expanding on a victim’s skull—attending to every line and detail of the remains—to create the final result.

Above is the image of the “Woman in the Woods,” Frank’s ultimate work.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Northampton County Coroner’s Office Phone: (610) 258-1806 or the Pennsylvania State Police - Belfast Criminal Investigation Unit Toll Free at 1(866) 279-5679.

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