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82-year-old Vermont woman found dead after ‘suspicious’ disappearance, State Police say

Vermont State Police have called 82-year-old Roberta Martin's disappearance a homicide. She was found dead on July 21.

Police found the remains of 82-year-old Vermont resident Roberta Martin. Vermont State Police

July 24, 2024

The disappearance of a 82-year-old Vermont women whose remains were found earlier this week was “suspicious,” Vermont State Police (VSP) said.

Police began searching for Roberta Martin on July 17 after family members had not heard from her in more than 24 hours and neighbors did not find her in her home in Enosburgh, Vermont, VSP said.

“Investigators obtained information that indicates Ms. Martin’s disappearance is suspicious,” authorities said in an update published July 18.

On July 21, VSP located human remains in a wooded area near Martin’s home, the agency said.

After an autopsy, the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the remains were Martin. Her cause and manner of death are still unknown, VSP said in a release on July 22, although the agency referred to the investigation into her death as a homicide investigation in a separate announcement.

Police were looking for Darren Martell, a man wanted for questioning in relation to Martin’s disappearance, on Monday, VSP said. When police first found him, Martell was masturbating on a public path and they arrested Martell for lewd and lascivious conduct.

The arrest was not made in connection to Martin’s disappearance, VSP said.

Authorities say the investigation into Martin’s death is ongoing. They urge anyone with information to contact the St. Albans Barracks at 802-524-5993 or leave anonymous information online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.