Cairo, New York – A case that began as a routine missing-person investigation has taken a disturbing turn after investigators uncovered the remains of a 69-year-old man on his family’s property. Authorities now say the man’s disappearance was staged, and that he was murdered weeks earlier by members of his own family.
Authorities in Greene County began searching for Roger Pitt Sr., 69, on November 18 after relatives reported that he had taken his belongings and driven away in his 1987 Mercedes-Benz. However, detectives soon noticed troubling discrepancies in the family’s statements.
Investigators Identify Conflicting Stories
According to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, statements from Pitt’s relatives did not align with evidence uncovered early in the investigation. Searches of the property in Cairo were authorized, and during those searches, deputies discovered the remains of the missing man.
Sheriff’s officials stated that the initial account — claiming Pitt had left the area voluntarily — was not supported by physical findings. That prompted a deeper review of movements, communications, and household activity surrounding the date Pitt was last seen.
Three Family Members Arrested
Authorities have now charged three individuals connected to Pitt:
Rodney Pitt, 46 – Charged with:
- Second-degree murder
- Second-degree conspiracy
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Concealment of a human corpse
Drew White, 23 – Charged with:
- Second-degree murder
- Second-degree conspiracy
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Concealment of a human corpse
Tania Pitt, 43 – Charged with:
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Sixth-degree conspiracy
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that Rodney Pitt is the victim’s son, Tania Pitt is Rodney’s wife, and White is reportedly dating a granddaughter within the family.
Possible Financial Motive
Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky told local media that investigators believe the killing may have been driven by tensions over money.
“We believe the murder potentially took place on October 31st,” Kusminsky said. “We believe the possible motivation was basically disagreements over financial matters.”
He added that Greene County is generally a quiet area, emphasizing how uncommon homicide cases are for the region.
How the Case Unfolded
Pitt’s disappearance was first treated as a typical missing-person case. Family members claimed he had packed up and driven away alone. But inconsistencies in their accounts quickly led detectives to reconsider the scenario.
Subsequent warrants allowed investigators to search the family’s property, including outbuildings and surrounding land. Forensic teams were ultimately able to recover remains later identified as those of the missing father and grandfather.
The two male suspects are currently being held in custody. Tania Pitt has been released but must return to court as the investigation continues.
Community Impact
Cairo, located about 40 miles south of Albany, is a small, largely rural community where violent crime is rare. News of the discovery and the arrests has shaken residents, many of whom have expressed disbelief that a case of alleged intrafamily homicide could occur in the quiet town.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they work to establish a full timeline, details of the alleged financial dispute, and any additional evidence relevant to the case.
Conclusion
What began as a reported disappearance has now become a homicide investigation involving multiple family members. With charges ranging from murder to conspiracy, Greene County authorities continue to build the case while the community awaits further developments.
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