Man charged after NYSP finds human remains in Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Plattsburgh man was charged with murder in connection to human remains found Monday. Joe Hewett, 50, faces multiple charges.

On Monday, New York State Police began investigating human remains found in an area near Birch Street. Upon investigation, troopers determined the remains were of two women who had reportedly been missing since Thursday, Dec. 12; their home was reportedly on fire Sunday, which police determined suspicious.

Autopsies were conducted on Tuesday at the Glens Falls Hospital where the identities of the women were released, and the cause of death was found. The deaths of Miranda Wade, 42, of Plattsburgh, and Karen Lindsay, 62, of Plattsburgh, were ruled a homicide, Troopers said.

Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica determined the cause of death for Wade was blunt force trauma to the head and strangulation for Lindsay. Upon further investigation, Hewett was arrested and charged.

Charges:

• 1 count of Murder in the first degree
• 2 counts of Murder in the second degree

Around 6:30 p.m., Hewett was arraigned in the Town of Plattsburgh Court and remanded to Clinton County jail without bail. He is scheduled to reappear in court on January 7, 2025.

This investigation is being conducted by the New York State Police, with assistance from the Clinton County District Attorney. Plattsburgh Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Department also assist in the investigation.