For three decades, the identity of a woman discovered in Belgium remained a mystery, known only by a striking feature – a flower tattoo. This is the story of how a unique piece of body art, a “Flower Woman Tattoo,” became the key to unlocking a 30-year-old cold case and giving a name back to the unnamed victim.
In June 1992, the body of a woman was tragically found in the Groot Schijn river in Belgium. Authorities determined she had been the victim of a violent crime. Among the few clues to her identity was a distinctive tattoo on her left forearm: a black flower with green leaves and the name ‘R’NICK’ inscribed beneath it. Despite extensive investigations, the woman’s identity remained elusive, and the case went cold. She became known simply as “the woman with the flower tattoo,” a poignant description highlighting the very detail that might one day bring her story to light.
Years passed, and the case remained unsolved. In a bid to leverage international collaboration and modern recognition methods, Belgian authorities submitted the case to Interpol’s “Operation Identify Me” in 2023. This initiative was designed to share details of unidentified deceased individuals across international borders, hoping to find a connection that local efforts might have missed. The campaign specifically highlighted unique identifiers – and in this case, the “flower woman tattoo” was a central focus. Images of the tattoo, along with descriptions of her clothing and physical characteristics, were circulated, appealing to a global audience for any information.
Remarkably, the appeal worked. Just days after the launch of Operation Identify Me, a family member in the United Kingdom recognized the distinctive flower tattoo from news reports. They contacted authorities, believing the woman to be Rita Roberts, a 31-year-old who had moved from Cardiff to Antwerp in February 1992 and had last been heard from after sending a postcard in May of that year. The “flower woman tattoo,” a permanent piece of art, served as a crucial link to her past and her family.
In November 2023, authorities officially announced the identification: the woman with the flower tattoo was indeed Rita Roberts. This identification marks a significant breakthrough in a case that had remained stagnant for decades. It underscores the power of unique identifiers like tattoos in solving even the most challenging mysteries. For tattoo enthusiasts, this case highlights a profound aspect of body art – its permanence and its potential to tell a story, even in unforeseen circumstances. While the identification of Rita Roberts brings closure to a long chapter, the investigation into her death remains active. Belgian police are still appealing to the public for any information regarding Rita Roberts, her life in Antwerp, and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Rita Roberts was described as approximately 1m70 tall, of stout build, with light skin and mid-length dark hair. Beyond the flower woman tattoo, other identifying features included her clothing: a dark blue, purple, and light green t-shirt with ‘SPLINTER’ and ‘1990’, dark blue Adidas training trousers with three green stripes, and size 40 DAG brand dark brown walking shoes. These details, combined with the now-iconic “flower woman tattoo,” paint a picture of a person whose identity was tragically lost for far too long.
If you possess any information related to Rita Roberts or her case, please reach out to the Belgian national police through their online form or website. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of every detail, even something as personal as a tattoo, in the pursuit of justice and the effort to bring names back to the nameless.
The flower tattoo on Rita Roberts's forearm, a key identifier in a 30-year cold case.
Rita Roberts identified: The woman with the flower tattoo case solved after 30 years.
Close-up of the flower woman tattoo, showing the black flower, green leaves, and 'R'NICK' inscription.
Additional photograph of Rita Roberts clothing details for identification.
