Woodland Township remains identified as missing woman Denice Smith

New Jersey State Police have confirmed that human remains discovered in Woodland Township belong to Denice Smith, a 51-year-old woman who had been missing since October 2023.

Smith disappeared from her residence in Woodland Township nearly three years ago. While initial search and rescue efforts in 2023 yielded no results, the Burlington County Search and Rescue Volunteer Team discovered remains in a remote area near Laurel Lane and Cedar Road on April 12, 2026.

Following forensic analysis by the New Jersey State Police Forensic Anthropology Unit, the Burlington County Medical Examiner's Office formally identified the remains in late August. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause or manner of death.