Gary Cowell, 72, of Patchogue, has been indicted on charges of unlawful concealment of a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence, following the discovery of dismembered remains scattered across three locations in Patchogue. The case, which has horrified the local community, began to unravel on June 18th when authorities were alerted to the disappearance of a 56-year-old woman from Patchogue.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Cowell was the last person to see the woman alive. On June 27th at approximately 4:30 p.m., Suffolk County Police Department detectives uncovered human remains along Montauk Highway near County Road 101 in East Patchogue. The grisly find was linked to Cowell, who allegedly used an axe to dismember the victim.
Cowell was arrested after detectives recovered the dismembered remains and other evidence from his residence at 20 Edwards Street. The investigation, led by Suffolk Police detectives, is ongoing, with the medical examiner yet to determine the cause of death.
“The investigation as to cause of death continues,” said Tierney in a statement. “We want to assure the victim’s family and the public that we are committed to pursuing justice through the proper legal process.”
Cowell was arraigned on July 8th on charges of Unlawful Concealment of a Human Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence, both felonies. The judge ordered Cowell held on $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond.
The case has sent waves through the Patchogue community, with many grappling with the gruesome details of the crime. For further details on this unfolding story, readers can access the original report here.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Suffolk County Police Department.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
