Man Pleads Guilty to Dismembering Girlfriend, Stashing Head in Suitcase

Damon Foy, 50, pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday for dismembering his girlfriend, Alberta Dale, 44, and storing her severed head in a suitcase. The act took place between March 31 and April 1, 2024, in Kerhonkson, New York.

Prosecutors stated that Foy confessed to police upon their arrival at his home, saying, “She’s in there, I killed her.” Later, during an interview on April 3, 2024, Foy elaborated on his motives, telling investigators that Dale had “played me like a sucker” throughout their relationship.

"The only thing she kept doing after the time throughout the whole relationship was just play me, play me like a fool, play me like a sucker, and just took advantage of the whole f—king system," Foy said, according to court documents. He also mentioned being told to leave his own home.

Authorities were initially alerted when Dale was reported missing. Police found Dale's car at Foy's residence on April 1, despite an active order of protection requiring Foy to stay away from her. The following day, officers returned when Dale's discarded phone was discovered on the roadside.

A search warrant was executed, and officers found a suitcase in a closet. Foy had initially refused to let officers search it. Upon opening the suitcase, investigators discovered what appeared to be dried blood and subsequently found Dale's dismembered remains, including her head.

"Officers opened the defendant’s suitcase and found Alberta Dale’s partial dismembered remains, including her severed head," the court filings stated. The remaining parts of her body were not located during the search.

When questioned about a flower found in the suitcase with the remains, Foy offered an unclear response, alluding to events that escalated the situation. Court records indicate that Dale had previously told authorities that Foy was responsible if she went missing.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, Foy faces a sentence of 23 years to life in state prison, two years less than the maximum of 25 years to life. Chief Assistant District Attorney Liz Culmone-Mills noted that Dale's family supported the plea deal. Foy is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16.