A family requested a welfare check. What New York police found led to a murder plea

NewsNew York man admits killing girlfriend after police make grim discoveryDamon Foy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Alberta Dale. Authorities began investigating after Dale’s family requested a welfare check.Getty ImagesA New York man has admitted killing his girlfriend after she ended their relationship, bringing a guilty plea in a case that began when the woman’s family asked police to check on her.Damon Foy, 50, of Kerhonkson, pleaded guilty Oct. 7 to second-degree murder in Ulster County Court. Prosecutors said he killed Alberta Dale, 44, of Pennsylvania, between March 31 and April 1, 2024. Dale had recently ended their relationship. The investigation began April 1, 2024, when Dale’s family contacted authorities because they were worried about her. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at Foy’s home and soon opened a missing-person investigation, CBS reported. The next day, a person found property belonging to Dale along a road in the town of Wawarsing and gave it to police. That discovery added to concerns that she had been harmed. Investigators obtained warrants to search Foy’s home and other locations. Authorities found Dale’s remains during the search. Prosecutors said Foy had dismembered her and was trying to dispose of her body when officers intervened. He was arrested and charged in connection with her death, The Times Herald-Record reported.Officials said the case also involved a history of domestic violence. Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji said Dale’s killing showed how domestic violence can put a victim’s safety and dignity in danger. Chief Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Culmone-Mills thanked Dale’s family for its strength and trust during the investigation. She said prosecutors worked closely with the sheriff’s office, New York State Police and other law enforcement agencies for more than two years. Foy is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 16. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.