What Happened to Laura Rous? Otsego County Death Remains Unsolved

In August of 2022, the remains of Laura Rous were found in a remote wooded area in Morris, New York. As of October 2023, the case remains unsolved.

Body Discovered in a Remote Area in Otsego County, New York

There was a grim discovery in the town of Morris, New York on August 2nd, 2022. Two people were exploring a remote area with metal detectors when they smelled something decomposing. Eventually, human remains were found. Morris is located in Otsego County, about 45 miles south of Utica.

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At the time, Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl released a statement. "We don't know who the victim is. There is no missing person and we don't think the victim is local,” Muehl said in a statement. “We don't even have a suspect yet.” At that time, Meuhl thought that the victim was killed elsewhere, and the body was dumped where it was found in Morris.

State Police Ask Public for Assistance

Later in the month, police revealed that the remains that were found were female who stood between 4 feet 9 inches and 4 feet 11 inches. She was dressed in Adidas jogging pants, a pink tank top, a light black jacket with a pink zipper. Carolina brand boots were on her feet. She was also wearing a silver ring with a heart as well as a gold chain necklace. This information was shared all over the region on social media, it would be a few days until the body was identified.

A Positive ID is Made, Case Goes Cold

Later in August of 2022, the remains were identified as 38 year old Laura Rous of Otego, New York. At the time of discovery, the Otsego County District Attorney stated that the remains had most likely been there for about two months, and the circumstances surrounding her death seemed to be suspicious. State police were investigating the death and any foul play that may have taken place.

Since then there have been no updates on what might have happened to Laura. In a call placed to the New York State Police's public information officer in October of 2023, a representative stated that there were no further updates to the investigation.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 607-561-7400 to make a report.