How A Tattoo Helped Identify Woman Murdered In Belgium Decades Ago

A woman who remained unknown since her murder 31 years ago was finally identified from her tattoo on November 14 this year, The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) reported. Rita Roberts from the UK was found dead in Antwerp, Belgium, on Jun 3, 1992, and was called "the woman with the flower tattoo," for over three decades.

On May 10, the INTERPOL had launched an Operation Identify Me by Belgian, Dutch and German police, to find information on over 20 such unidentified murder victims.

A family member from the UK recognised Roberts' tattoo on the news and notified INTERPOL and Belgian authorities via the Identify Me appeal page. Roberts' most striking physical feature was a tattoo on her left forearm of a black flower with green leaves and with ‘R’Nick’ written underneath. 

Her family members released a statement, "Whilst the news has been difficult to process, we are incredibly grateful to have uncovered what happened to Rita. We miss her deeply but are thankful for the excellent support and care of Belgium Missing Persons, Antwerp Police, INTERPOL and Durham Police in the UK," adding that the collaboration between authorities across both countries has enabled the family to know she is at rest.

Now that her identity is known, Belgian authorities are on the lookout for any other information on Rita Roberts or the circumstances surrounding her death.

How Rita Roberts was Identified

31-year-old Rita Roberts had moved to Antwerp, Belgium, in February 1992 from Cardiff, UK. She last communicated with her family in May 1992, via a postcard. 

Her then-unidentified body was found in the 'Groot Schijn’ river in Antwerp. She had been violently killed, but the police were unable to find any other information on her or the murderer.

On May 10 of this year, the INTERPOL launched Operation Identify Me for 22 unidentified murder victims across authorities from three countries. The INTERPOL said they received significant coverage and generated about 1,250 tips from the public.

A family member of Roberts recognised her tattoo in the news and contacted the INTERPOL. They then travelled to meet with investigators in Belgium and formally identified their missing relative through distinguishing personal identifiers.

Thereafter, the Antwerp family court was petitioned to have the victim’s death certificate amended to reflect her identity.

Family Grieving but Relieved

“The news was shocking and heartbreaking. Our passionate, loving and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away. There are no words to truly express the grief we felt at that time, and still feel today," her family stated.

"Rita was a beautiful person who adored travelling. She loved her family, especially her nephews and nieces, and always wanted to have a family of her own. She had the ability to light up a room, and wherever she went, she was the life and soul of the party. We hope that wherever she is now, she is at peace," they said.

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