Remains found in Delmar woods identified as 70-year-old woman

BETHLEHEM — After decomposed human remains were found by a hunter in a wooded area in Delmar on Saturday, police on Wednesday identified Ruth Talmon, 70, of Schenectady County, as the deceased with confirmation by dental records.

An autopsy on Monday had showed there was no foul play. Also on Monday, Bethlehem Police and New York State Police, helped by state forest rangers, searched 6.5 acres of woodland at the rear of Hoffman’s Car Wash at 55 Delaware Ave.

A release from Bethlehem Police described events unfolding this way: Clothing and personal property recovered at the scene did not contain any information that would lead to an identity.Over 75 leads were followed up, including a pertinent one developed by police on Sunday, Dec 3. This lead was based on prior knowledge of events in the area of this incident.

An investigation into this lead resulted in police identifying a female from Schenectady County who had not been reported missing. The investigation revealed that she traveled extensively around the Capital Region and country, and that it was typical for her to not have contact with family or friends for extended periods of time.

Based upon this lead, Bethlehem Police and State Police were able to construct a detailed timeline of the last few days of her life, during the last week of September. With this information, coupled with the results of the autopsy, a cause of death involving foul play was ruled out.

This investigation was conducted by Bethlehem Police, with the assistance of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; as well as New York State Forest Rangers and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

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