Remains Positively Identified as Missing New York Teacher
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| Emergency responders spent months searching woods and trails in Lee for Meghan Marohn. A forensic examination has been unable to determine a cause of death. |
LEE, Mass. — Remains found in Lee in September have been positively identified as missing New York State teacher Meghan Marohn.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston released the findings on Tuesday but was unable to determine cause and manner of death because of the condition of the remains.
Marohn was identified through dental records and a forensic anthropological examination that showed the remains are the same sex, ancestry, and stature of Marohn. The examination did not reveal any signs of pre-death trauma. The office's toxicology testing revealed the presence of THC and organic products of decomposition. The office could not determine a cause and manner of death, which is common in these types of cases, according to the release.
Marohn, 42, was a 10th-grade English teacher and poet at Shaker High School in Latham, N.Y., who had been on a leave of absence when she disappeared. She had reportedly been staying at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge.
Her family reported her missing on March 29, and Lee Police located her vehicle unattended at Longcope Park that same day. Her family said she enjoyed hiking and police believe she went for a walk. There was no sign of tampering with her car and police were able to track her cell phone activity for a short time until the signal stopped.
Lee Police, Lee Fire, troopers from the State Police barracks in Lee, the State Police K9 and Airwing, State Police Special Emergency Response Team, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Albany (N.Y.) County Sheriff's Department, and the Berkshire Mountain Search and Rescue Team coordinated continuous searches for Marohn over the summer.
On Sept. 1, a civilian located the remains in a heavily wooded area in the town of Lee. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took custody of the remains.
Lee Police, the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, and Bethlehem, N.Y. Police continue to receive and follow up on leads and are awaiting the result of further State Police Crime Lab forensic testing. The evidence collected thus far does not suggest foul play.
Tags: missing persons,
