Damon Foy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for killing and dismembering his ex-girlfriend, Alberta Dale, in Ulster County, New York. He hid her remains in a suitcase.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
A New York man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 death of his ex-girlfriend, whom he killed and dismembered before hiding her remains in a suitcase. Damon Foy, 50, of Kerhonkson, admitted to the killing of Alberta Dale, 44, of Pennsylvania, according to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.
The investigation began on April 1, 2024, when Dale’s family members in Pennsylvania contacted law enforcement due to concerns for her well-being. Deputies conducted a welfare check at Foy’s apartment and found Dale’s car, but Foy was not immediately arrested. The next day, a member of the public found Dale’s phone on the side of the road in Wawarsing and turned it in to authorities, leading investigators to suspect foul play.
When deputies returned to question Foy, he allegedly whispered, "She’s in there," and added, "I killed her," according to court documents cited by the New York Post. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Foy's home. In a closet, they found a suitcase containing Dale’s partial dismembered remains, including her severed head and a flower. Court documents state that "The remaining portions of her dismembered body were not located during the execution of the search warrant."
During a police interview on April 3, 2024, Foy stated he "loved her" but claimed Dale had mistreated him. "The only thing she kept doing after the time throughout the whole relationship was just play me, play me like a fool, play me like a sucker, and just took advantage of the whole f–king system," Foy said, according to court documents. He further stated, "I was told to leave my own home. I was told to leave my own f–king home, not a bill in her name, and I was told to leave my own f–king home. Get out."
Authorities noted that Foy had a history of domestic violence against Dale. A previous incident involved a gun, and investigators observed an axe at Foy’s property during the search. Dale had an active order of protection against Foy at the time of her death. According to court records, 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 a sentence of 23 years to life in state prison. This is two years shorter than the maximum sentence of 25 years to life, according to the Daily Freeman. Chief Assistant District Attorney Liz Culmone-Mills stated that the agreement 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," Culmone-Mills said.
Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji emphasized the role of domestic violence in the case. "The total selfish disregard for the life and dignity of another person is at the heart of domestic violence; Damon Foy has shown that to us," Nneji said in a statement. He added, "We must recognize in our laws the rights of victims of domestic violence to be physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe from their tormentors and the dangers specifically targeted for them, and demand procedures that actually protect victims for real, not just on paper."
This case highlights the lethal consequences of domestic violence and the importance of protection orders. Despite an active order of protection and prior warnings from the victim, the perpetrator was able to carry out the murder. The guilty plea and upcoming sentencing reflect the legal system's response to severe domestic violence crimes, while the DA's statement underscores ongoing calls for stronger protective measures for victims.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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