OLD FORGE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — New York State Police have joined Pennsylvania State Police and local police, swarming over two scenes in the investigation of missing Lackawanna County businessman Robert Baron, who disappeared six years ago.
The question.. “where is Robert Baron?” has been asked for the last six years and Wednesday night brought some hope for answers.
Human remains were found in a wooded section in Old Forge, Lackawanna County. Investigators are hopeful they are the remains of Baron.
New developments Wednesday night in connection with the homicide investigation of Robert Baron Sr. were announced as Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell says investigators found human remains in the Connell’s Patch section of Old Forge, Tuesday.
Powell states while investigators are hopeful they are the remains of Robert Baron Sr., they have to await DNA testing to confirm the identity.
Meanwhile, the possibility of answers after more than six years about Baron’s disappearance has caught the attention of many in Old Forge and surrounding communities.
“I don’t think there’s a day where I haven’t thought about Bobby,” said Old Forge Mayor, Robert Legg.
“I won’t believe anything until I hear it from officials,” added Anthony Salerno, owner of Salerno’s Cafe.
Investigators began their search Tuesday and returned Wednesday with assistance from the FBI, New York State Police, and their cadaver dogs, along with Old forge police and Pennsylvania State Police.
“The search will continue today, and for as long as it takes, to make sure we have left no stone unturned,” District Attorney Powell said Wednesday in regard to the homicide investigation of Robert Baron Sr.
There is currently no word yet if any arrests have been made
Baron disappeared in January 2017 and police stepped up their efforts Tuesday morning searching the woods near Pagnotti Park and abandoned coal mines.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell stated regarding the search:
The FBI and Pennsylvania State Police are supporting our investigation into the January 2017 homicide of Robert Baron Sr. As an active and ongoing investigation, we will not share any specifics about the activity in order to protect the integrity of the case.”
Mark Powell, Lackawanna County District Attorney
DA Powell continued by saying new advancements in forensic technology are being used to investigate.
Powell also notes there are people who have information regarding the circumstances of Baron’s disappearance or death who have not yet spoken with law enforcement. Powell reinforces that no matter the circumstance, it is not too late to come forward.
Investigators ask those to think back to January 2017 and consider the following:
- Did you notice anyone who had unexplained injuries or a person’s sudden departure
from the area? - Did you interact with anyone who seemed intensely interested in the case or maybe
someone who made significant efforts to avoid talking about it? - Did you observe anyone who seemed to have an abrupt change in mood, lifestyle or
appearance around this time? - Are you aware of someone who suddenly came into an unexplained source of money?
- If there is anything else that sticks out in your memory during that time period, please
contact us.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the hotline at 570-963-6311 and a designated email address at lackawannada@lackawannacounty.org for you to share any information, which can be done anonymously.
This is a developing story, Eyewitness News will update you with the latest as it is released.
