PATTERSON, N.Y. — Human remains were unexpectedly unearthed by a construction crew in New York’s Hudson Valley last week, according to state police. The discovery has captivated the local community, igniting hopes that a long-standing missing persons case might finally be solved.
The skeletal remains, found in an advanced state of decomposition, have provided few clues about the identity of the deceased. However, authorities have confirmed that the remains do not belong to Robin Murphy, a local teenager who disappeared under mysterious circumstances on April 9, 1995.
Initial speculation arose in Putnam County when news of the discovery broke, with many hoping that the remains could be those of Murphy. The timing seemed to align with the disappearance of another young girl from the area, 12-year-old Josette Wright, whose remains were later found nearby.
However, those hopes were shattered when state troopers announced on Saturday that the DNA sample taken from the remains did not match Murphy’s profile. The disappointment weighed heavily on the community, particularly Murphy’s family, who have been seeking closure for over two decades.
Murphy’s case has long been a source of anguish for her family and the community. A dedicated Facebook page, created with the hopes of bringing closure to the case, expressed deep disappointment following the latest turn of events.
Howard Gombert, currently serving time in Connecticut for rape, remains the prime suspect in Murphy’s disappearance. Despite years of suspicion surrounding his involvement, authorities have yet to gather enough evidence to charge him. Gombert was also implicated in Wright’s murder by two men who were later acquitted of the crime.
State troopers are now focused on identifying the recently discovered remains, stressing that the investigation is still in its early stages.