A New York man has pleaded guilty to killing his former girlfriend and dismembering her body after their relationship ended, bringing a major development in a case that began with a missing-person investigation in April 2024.
Damon Foy, 50, of Kerhonkson, entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder on October 7, 2026, in Ulster County Court. The victim, Alberta Dale, 44, was from Pennsylvania. Prosecutors said the killing occurred between March 31 and April 1, 2024, shortly after Dale ended the relationship.
The case came to light after Dale’s family contacted authorities about her disappearance. On April 1, 2024, deputies from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office went to Foy’s residence to check on her welfare. They found her vehicle at the property, but the initial visit did not locate Dale.
The investigation intensified the following day when a member of the public found personal belongings belonging to Dale along a roadside in Wawarsing, New York. The discovery prompted investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance more closely.
Authorities later obtained search warrants for Foy’s residence and other locations. During the investigation, officers discovered Dale’s remains inside a suitcase at the apartment. Investigators also found evidence indicating that her body had been dismembered. Prosecutors said Foy was in the process of disposing of her remains when law enforcement intervened.
Investigators Examined the Couple’s Troubled Relationship
According to information from the investigation, Foy and Dale had experienced conflict following their breakup. During a police interview, Foy described feeling angry about being told to leave the residence and accused Dale of taking advantage of him. He also acknowledged killing her.
Court records cited in earlier reporting described a history of alleged domestic violence involving the couple. An order of protection requiring Foy to stay away from Dale was reportedly active when she died.
The case also raised concerns about Dale’s safety before her disappearance. According to court filings, she had previously told a crime victims unit that she feared Foy could kill her if she went missing.
Her family’s decision to contact authorities after losing track of her led to the welfare check and the investigation that ultimately uncovered evidence of the killing.
Prosecutors Seek a Sentence of 23 Years to Life
Foy’s guilty plea resolves the second-degree murder charge and moves the case toward sentencing. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending 23 years to life in state prison, two years below the maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Culmone-Mills, who worked on the case from its beginning, said the prosecution’s recommendation was made with Dale’s family in mind. She also credited the family for its patience and cooperation throughout the lengthy investigation.
Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji described the case as an example of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. He emphasized the importance of protecting victims from people who pose a threat to their physical and emotional safety.
The investigation involved the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the Ulster County Medical Examiner’s Office, along with other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors said multiple agencies worked together to gather evidence and build the case over more than two years.
Sentencing Scheduled for December 16
Foy is scheduled to appear in Ulster County Court on December 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., before Judge Bryan E. Rounds. The court will determine the final sentence at that hearing.
The guilty plea marks a significant step in the case, which began when Dale’s family sought help locating her in 2024. The upcoming sentencing will determine the prison term Foy faces for her death.
