TRENTON -- The Human Services Police Department (HSPD) and the Division of Mental Health Services are again seeking the public's help in trying to identify a woman who has been in state psychiatric hospitals for 14 years.



"We're hoping that someone recognizes her," said HSPD Lt. Eduardo Ojeda. "She may have family or friends who have been worrying for years about her."

The woman, who is believed to be in her 60s or 70s, and Hispanic, was first brought to Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital in November 1994 after being found wandering inside of Woodbridge Shopping Mall. She was transferred to Ancora Psychiatric Hospital when Marlboro closed in 1997 and has since been transferred to Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital.Though she said her name was Elba Leonor Socarras, authorities were never able to confirm her identity and amnesia has prevented her from sharing any other identifiable information. She also at times has indicated her name might be Anna.

The woman was well-dressed and wearing a wedding ring when she was found.

HSPD has repeatedly checked missing person records, foreign consulates and worked with law enforcement agencies nationwide in an attempt to identify her. Previous efforts to get the public to provide information also have proved unsuccessful.

She is registered with the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit; also the Camden County Sheriffs Office worked on the case while she was at Ancora.

"We don't know if she lived in the area, came in from New York, or from another country," Ojeda said, noting that DHS is also sending an alert to foreign press outlets. "We're hoping the public will help us."

Anyone with any information that can help to identify the patient is asked to call Ojeda at (609) 633-3673.

