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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Human Remains Identified in Chemung River


Press Release

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Horseheads has identified human remains discovered along the Chemung River in September 2024 as belonging to Matthew A. Barber of Elmira, NY.

On September 28, 2024, the New York State Police at SP Horseheads responded to a report of human remains found along the Chemung River near Interstate 86, Exit 59. The remains were located by two kayakers that were kayaking and fishing in the area. They discovered what appeared to be a human skull and immediately contacted authorities.

New York State Police personnel, with assistance from the Chemung and Wellsburg Fire Departments, K9 units, New York State Police Forensic Investigators, and New York State Police Underwater recovery team, and the Elmira Police Department conducted a thorough search of the area. A cadaver K9 search led to the discovery of an additional skeletal element, later identified as a left hip bone. Both the skull and hip bone were transported to forensic specialists for further analysis.

The Binghamton University Forensic Anthropology Lab and the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center (FIC) conducted DNA analysis and forensic examinations. The DNA extracted from the remains confirmed a match to Matthew A. Barber, a missing person case previously investigated by the Elmira Police Department and is considered suspicious in nature.

This case remains under investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Horseheads, in coordination with the Elmira Police Department. Authorities are seeking any additional information regarding Matthew Barber’s disappearance and circumstances leading to his remains being found.

Please contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov