A man from Kerhonkson, New York, Damon Foy, has admitted to the gruesome murder and dismemberment of his ex-girlfriend, Alberta Dale. He confessed to placing her severed head in a suitcase decorated with a flower. Foy expressed anger, stating that Dale had ‘played me like a sucker,’ according to authorities.
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office reported that Foy, aged 50, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of the 44-year-old Pennsylvania resident. The crime occurred between March 31 and April 1, 2024. Foy was in the process of disposing of Dale’s body when law enforcement intervened.
Investigation and Arrest
On April 1, 2024, Dale’s concerned family members in Pennsylvania contacted law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies conducted a welfare check and started a missing person investigation.
The New York Post reported that deputies visited Foy’s apartment and discovered Dale’s car. Following a lead from a member of the public who found Dale’s phone, they returned to question Foy. He admitted to investigators, ‘She’s in there. I killed her,’ according to court documents.
Upon obtaining a search warrant, authorities found Dale’s remains in a suitcase within Foy’s home. The suitcase, discovered in a closet, contained her partial dismembered remains, including her severed head.
Domestic Violence History
Foy had a known history of domestic violence against Dale. In one prior incident, a gun was involved, and during the search for Dale, investigators noticed an axe at Foy’s property.
‘The only thing she kept doing… play me like a fool,’ Foy stated regarding the relationship dynamics, according to court documents cited by Fox News.
Dale had warned authorities that Foy would be responsible if she went missing, reflecting her fears and past domestic issues.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
Foy’s plea agreement includes a sentence of 23 years to life. This term is slightly below the maximum potential sentence of 25 years to life.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Liz Culmone-Mills indicated the decision was supported by Dale’s family. ‘The District Attorney’s Office would not be making this recommendation were it not for Alberta Dale’s family,’ she expressed.
Foy is set to receive his sentence on December 16, 2024.
Domestic Violence Awareness
District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji emphasized the importance of legal recognition for domestic violence victims to ensure their safety. ‘The total disregard for the life and dignity of another person is at the heart of domestic violence,’ he stated.