NYSP Says Human Remains Found In Putnam Not Missing Teen: Update

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A DNA sample collected from human remains found at a construction site in Patterson on April 16 does not match the profile of Putnam teen Robin Murphy, who went missing in 1994, New York State police said Thursday in an update on the new mystery.

The remains were found during excavation work at the property of a new home being built in the Ice Pond Road area.

The discovery was made near where the body of 12-year-old Josette Wright, who also went missing in 1994, was discovered.

The construction crew unearthed bones and tattered clothes, News 12 reported. The media company wondered if they might be Murphy's remains. Murphy was 17 when she disappeared.

Howard Gombert, now in a Connecticut prison on a rape conviction, is the prime suspect in both disappearances, The Journal News reported.

The cases of Wright and Murphy, and the wrongful convictions of two local teens for Wright's death, are the subject of an essay in Rolling Stone called "The Devil You Know."

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State police said investigators have confirmed that the unidentified remains are that of a white female approximately between 16 and 28 years of age with extensive dental work present. It is believed that the victim has been deceased for more than 10 years, police said.

"The investigation is still in its infancy as we attempt to identify the body," Trooper A.J. Hicks, Troop K Public Information Officer, told Patch.

Anyone with any possible information is asked to please contact the New York State Police at 845-677-7300.