Bodies of 2 Missing Women Found after Suspicious Fire in Upstate New York

Missing Women Found After Suspicious House Fire

State Police had been actively searching for two Upstate New York women who had gone missing for days, and sadly, police say they found their remains on their property after their home was suspiciously set on fire.

Timeline of Events

According to a press release from the NYSP, on December 12, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., New York State Police members were informed of two missing females.

During the active investigation, on December 15, 2024, State Police members were informed of a fire at 2 Birch Street in Plattsburgh (160 miles north of Albany), the residence of the two missing women, according to the NYSP.

On December 16, 2024, New York State Police members actively searched surrounding areas, leading them to locate human remains. The State Police say they are executing multiple search warrants and are processing the scenes to gather evidence.

Who Were the Women?

Officials told NBC5 they were investigating missing person reports for Miranda Wade and Karen Besaw, although the New York State Police haven't identified the victims yet.

Are There Any Suspects?

According to NBC5, Joe Hewitt, reportedly the boyfriend of one of the women at the home, was arrested on Sunday on a charge of tampering with evidence. State Police would not confirm or deny whether that charge is with the disappearance of the two women.

A Joe Hewitt, with an address of 2 Birch Street in Plattsburgh, is listed as a registered sex offender on the National Sex Offender Registry, according to the news station. 

State Police advise that they think this is an isolated incident and that there is no immediate threat to the public.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2776.