OLD FORGE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell confirms remains were found during the search for Robert Baron in Old Forge.
Officials say remains were found while law enforcement began searching woods near Pagnotti Park in Old Forge and abandoned coal mines in the missing case of Robert Baron.
DA Powell states they are hopeful that the remains found are of Robert Baron Sr., but at this time they are awaiting DNA testing to confirm the identity.
In January 2017, the Baron family became concerned when Robert Baron Sr. had not shown up to work at the family business, Ghigiarelli’s Pizza, in Old Forge. They reported him missing and when officers arrived at the restaurant, it immediately became clear that a violent altercation had occurred inside, police said.
Powell stated in part regarding the remains found:
I have spoken with the Baron family and remain hopeful that we can provide them with the closure they deserve. The search will continue, and for as long as it takes, to make sure we have left no stone unturned.
I want to thank the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, New York State Police, and their team of cadaver dogs, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Lackawanna County Detectives, and the Old Forge Police Department for their hard work and enthusiasm in our ongoing efforts to solve this case.
I also want to thank members of the community for coming forward with tips that helped us move the investigation forward,”
Mark Powell, Lackawanna County District Attorney
In a statement given to Eyewitness News Baron’s family said:
We would like to thank the PA State Police, especially Trooper Greg Allen, Scranton FBI, NY State Police and their search dogs and team, Lackawanna County personnel, and everyone else who worked to locate Bob.
We also want to thank WBRE, especially Andy Mehalshick, for keeping Bob’s case alive. We are hopeful the remains discovered are Bob’s and that we can finally bring him home.
We are also hopeful that if and when the remains are identified as Bob’s an arrest or arrests will follow shortly.
The Baron Family
Anyone with information is asked to contact the hotline at 570-963-6311 and a designated email address at lackawannada@lackawannacounty.org for you to share any information, which can be done anonymously.
Eyewitness News will update you with the latest once information is released.