press release

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., New York State Police members responded to the Military Turnpike in the town of Altona for a body located in the northside ditch of the road. Troopers arrived on the scene and located a deceased male approximately 100 feet from a small bridge over a creek. The victim was identified as Dustin E. Oakes, age 34, of Hogansburg, NY.

On September 1, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., an autopsy was performed at Glens Falls Hospital on Dustin E. Oakes by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be a hemorrhage due to a compound fracture of the left femur and laceration to the head due to or because of blunt force trauma. The manner of death is pending investigation, histology, and toxicology.

The investigation is ongoing, and State Police are asking anyone who might know information regarding this incident is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2776.

The State Police were assisted by local Fire and Rescue Departments. Genienkeh Community has cooperated with the ongoing State Police investigation.

At this time, there is no threat to the community.