Damon Foy, 50, pleaded guilty in October 2026 to second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of his former girlfriend, Alberta Dale, 44. Authorities say Foy dismembered Dale and placed her severed head and other remains in a suitcase at his Kerhonkson home. The investigation began after Dale’s family contacted law enforcement about her disappearance. Under a plea agreement, Foy is expected to receive 23 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on December 16.
| 1) | Plea follows 2024 killing |
| 2) | Family report triggers investigation |
| 3) | Search uncovers suitcase with remains |
| 4) | History of domestic violence cited |
| 5) | Plea agreement sets expected sentence |
Plea follows 2024 killing
Foy, of Kerhonkson in Ulster County, New York, admitted responsibility for Dale’s death in a guilty plea entered during October 2026. Prosecutors said the killing occurred between March 31 and April 1, 2024, after Dale had ended her relationship with Foy. Authorities allege that he killed and dismembered her while he was preparing to dispose of her body.
The case concerns Dale, a 44-year-old Pennsylvania resident whose relationship with Foy had recently ended. Investigators later found her partial remains at Foy’s residence, while other portions of her body were not located during the search. The plea resolves the murder charge without a trial.
Family report triggers investigation
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on April 1, 2024, after Dale’s relatives in Pennsylvania reported concerns about her welfare. Deputies first conducted a welfare check and then opened a missing-person investigation when Dale could not be located.
Investigators went to Foy’s apartment that day and found Dale’s car. On the following day, a member of the public discovered Dale’s phone beside a road and handed it to authorities. The phone and the earlier welfare check heightened suspicions that Dale’s disappearance involved criminal conduct.
Search uncovers suitcase with remains
When investigators returned to question Foy, he indicated that Dale was inside the residence and admitted killing her. A search warrant was obtained for the apartment. Officers then found a suitcase in a closet containing partial dismembered remains, including Dale’s severed head.
Investigators reported seeing what appeared to be dried blood after shining a flashlight on the suitcase. A flower was also inside. When questioned about it, Foy gave an explanation that investigators described as related to the events of the previous night. He was arrested and charged after the search.
“I killed her,” Foy told investigators, according to court documents.
History of domestic violence cited
Court documents cited by prosecutors described a history of domestic violence involving Foy and Dale. One earlier incident involved a gun, and investigators observed an axe at Foy’s property while searching for Dale. Dale had also previously warned authorities that Foy would be responsible if she went missing.
During a later interview, Foy said he loved Dale but blamed her for problems in their relationship and said she had taken advantage of him. The district attorney described the case as an example of the danger and dehumanizing conduct associated with domestic violence.
“The total selfish disregard for the life and dignity of another person is at the heart of domestic violence,” District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said.
Plea agreement sets expected sentence
Under the agreement, Foy is expected to receive a sentence of 23 years to life in prison. The minimum term is two years shorter than the maximum sentence of 25 years to life for the charge. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2026.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Liz Culmone-Mills said the recommendation was supported by Dale’s family. The agreement brings the criminal case to its sentencing phase while formally recognizing Foy’s admission to second-degree murder.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Foy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. |
| 2 | Dale’s family reported concerns about her disappearance in April 2024. |
| 3 | Investigators found partial remains in a suitcase at Foy’s home. |
| 4 | Prosecutors cited a prior history of domestic violence. |
| 5 | Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2026. |
Summary
The investigation into Alberta Dale’s disappearance led authorities to Damon Foy’s residence, where they found partial remains and evidence connected to her death. Foy’s guilty plea avoids a trial and is expected to result in 23 years to life in prison. The case also drew attention to documented allegations of prior domestic violence and warnings Dale had made before her death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was convicted in the case?
Damon Foy, 50, of Kerhonkson, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Alberta Dale.
When did the killing occur?
Authorities said the killing occurred between March 31 and April 1, 2024, in Ulster County, New York.
What sentence is expected?
Foy is expected to receive 23 years to life in prison under a plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2026.
