The body of a man found dismembered along a rural road in Allegany County, New York, in 1970 has been identified as Clyde A. Coppage, officials announced this week. Despite the identification, the person responsible for his death remains unknown.
Identification Through DNA and Investigative Efforts
Coppage’s headless, handless body was discovered in March 1970 near Davis Hill Road in Andover, New York. He was found unclothed and without any identifying items, and remained unidentified for nearly 56 years despite ongoing investigations by the New York State Police.
In June 2022, authorities exhumed the remains and obtained a DNA profile. With assistance from the FBI, they were finally able to confirm the victim’s identity as Clyde A. Coppage, who was originally from Pennsylvania and had not been reported missing.
Active Investigation Seeks Public Assistance
New York State Police Troop A and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the NYSP Amity headquarters continue to investigate the case. Trooper James O’Callaghan indicated that evidence suggests Coppage was killed and dismembered elsewhere before his body was left on the road.
Officials have appealed to the public for any information related to Coppage or his killer, noting the investigation remains open and active.
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