Man guilty of killing ex-girlfriend, hiding body in suitcase

Damon Foy, 50, of Kerhonkson, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Alberta Dale, 44, of Pennsylvania, according to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office began investigating on April 1, 2024, after Dale's family in Pennsylvania contacted law enforcement due to concerns about her well-being.

Deputies first conducted a welfare check before initiating a missing person investigation. On April 1, 2024, they found Dale's car at Foy's apartment, according to the district attorney's office.

The next day, deputies returned after a member of the public turned in Dale's phone, leading investigators to suspect foul play. Foy told officers he had killed Dale during the missing person investigation.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Foy's home and found a suitcase in a closet containing Dale's remains. The suitcase included her severed head and dried blood, according to court documents.

Foy was arrested and charged in connection with Dale's death. During an interview, he told investigators he 'loved her' but claimed she 'played me like a sucker' throughout their relationship.

Foy had a history of domestic violence against Dale, including a prior incident involving a gun. Investigators also observed an axe at his property during the search.

Dale had previously warned authorities that 'if she went missing it was because [Foy] killed her.' Under a plea agreement, Foy is expected to receive 23 years to life in prison.