By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
Staff Writer
May 12, 2007 04:52 pm
—
MOOERS — State Police are now saying that Darcy Manor died from a gunshot wound.
The preliminary autopsy findings were released around 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Mooers near where Manor was found slain early Friday.
Police would not give details about the the type of gun used, but said the weapon has not been recovered.
Earlier Saturday, Family and friends Manor pleaded with the public for any information regarding the well-known volunteer firefighter’s violent death Thursday night.
“As you all know, our family suffered a horrible tragedy Thursday evening. We are pleading that anyone who has information, please contact the New York State Police,” said Alan Cardin, the 35-year-old’s uncle. “He was a great nephew. You couldn’t have asked for a nicer guy. This is just absolutely crazy. There’s no reason for it.
“This family needs to close this thing. If the (culprit) has a heart, please come forward. Give this thing up.”
As Cardin emotionally pleaded with the community, sobbing family and friends of the devoted family man filled the Mooers Town Hall as they awaited a Saturday morning update on the investigation by State Police, who have been coordinating their extensive search efforts from the Mooers fire station.
A steady stream of about 60 distraught family members and friends packed into the
Town Hall as officials released new information about the widespread investigation into the mechanic’s death.
TRACKING LEADS
The multi-agency investigation has kept officials tracking leads across the Northeast and into Canada since Manor’s body was discovered early Friday morning at the gated Drown Road camp, where he had gone several hours earlier to repair a pump after closing the Ellenburg Depot DJ’s Auto car-repair shop around 5 p.m.
“The investigation is ongoing and we anticipate being here as long as it takes,” said State Police Troop B commander Maj. Richard Smith.
As officials continue searching for his missing 1992 teal Ford pickup, they are now looking for a white male who was seen in the area carrying a backpack and walking stick shortly before Manor arrived to the Churubusco Lodge camp, which he regularly maintained for the owners.
“We are asking for your assistance in identifying a person who was seen in the area,” urged Capt. Robert LaFountain. “This person may or may not be involved in this crime.”
Smith added that any sightings or information could be useful and does not have to be limited to May 10, the day the hardworking father of two young sons was found dead along the side of the rural roadway.
“Please do not hesitate to call,” Smith urged. “We will be working vigilantly until this case is closed.”
Police were continuing to patrol the area roads and plan to resume aerial searches for the missing truck in case it’s “secreted in the woods of Northern New York.”
Officials were also resuming foot patrols and plan to set up roadblocks.
State Police divers were also called into the investigation to comb the murky waters near the camp in search of any evidence that may be connected to the Ellenburg Depot volunteer firefighter’s death.
“If anyone has noticed anything unusual (in the community), please call. Every lead is being followed,” said Smith.
Anyone with information should call Plattsburgh-based State Police at 563-3761.
Police are also asking residents to keep their eyes out for Manor’s large truck, which bears a registration number of 35652JP and has a yellow light on top.
LaFountain advises that the original license plate may have been changed since it disappeared from the camp, and that residents should not attempt to approach the vehicle themselves.
COPING WITH TRAGEDY
Only a few miles from the crime scene, devastated family and friends gathered at his residence, where his wife, Heather, and two sons, Jake and Evan, were beginning to cope with their sudden and unexpected loss.
“He was a pillar to not only his wife and two sons, but to his family, friends and the community,” Cardin said.
“We were all shocked,” said his cousin Lorna Cordel, who lives in Florida but had come home for a two-week vacation when the murder occurred.
“It’s like a dream, you think you’re going to wake up. It just doesn’t seem real,” said Manor’s aunt Manya Dupree.
Manor’s death has not only shocked family, friends and neighbors, but the many Northern Adirondack Central School children who suddenly lost their beloved bus driver.
“The kids were all talking about him. They all loved him,” said Manor’s aunt and school employee, Hilda DeCoste, adding that school officials will have counselors available to help students cope with the death.
“Everyone just loved him. He was such a good guy,” added his aunt Brenda Rabideau. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:
avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.