BREAKING: In a significant breakthrough, New York State Police have identified human remains discovered in a drained swamp nearly 50 years ago as belonging to Mikolai Celesz. This urgent update comes after decades of investigation into a cold case that has haunted the Port Jervis community since 1976.
The grisly remains were first uncovered in September 1991 when troopers responded to reports of a skull and other skeletal fragments buried approximately one foot underground in a swamp located in Orange County. After thorough investigations spanning decades, authorities confirmed the identity of the remains on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Celesz was reported missing by a relative on October 1, 1976, when he was 76 years old. Despite extensive leads pursued through public appeals and DNA testing, his identity remained a mystery until recently. Investigators finally made a breakthrough when the FBI’s Questioned Documents Unit connected personal belongings found at the scene back to Celesz’s family in Port Jervis.
Local police discovered a crucial entry in a 1976 blotter indicating Celesz’s disappearance, prompting the State Police to travel to Florida this year to collect DNA samples from Celesz’s relatives. A match was confirmed by the State Police Forensic Investigation Center, resulting in the identification of the long-missing man.
Despite this development, the circumstances surrounding how Celesz ended up in the swamp remain unclear. Authorities are urging anyone with information about his disappearance to contact Troop F at 845-344-5300 and reference case number 3021756.
This revelation sheds light on a case that has left many unanswered questions for decades, reigniting interest and concern among the local community and beyond. The emotional impact of identifying Celesz serves as a reminder of the enduring pain of unresolved disappearances and the dedication of law enforcement in seeking closure for families.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mikolai Celesz’s disappearance.
