TOAuthorities in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, have confirmed that skeletal remains discovered on the Appalachian Trail earlier this week belong to William Edelman, a convicted murderer who disappeared nearly two months ago.
Edelman, 65, was infamously known as the “Kunkletown Killer” as he pleaded guilty in 1992 to killing two men with a shotgun and wounding a third. He had served his prison sentence and had been living in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, on parole until his disappearance in late March of this year.
History of the Kunkletown Killer
In 1990, Edelman shot and killed Alex Turoczi III, 37, and James Yaple, and seriously wounded Charles Gustin, days after stopping medication to treat his schizophrenia. In 1992, Edelman pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault and was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison.
Guillermo Edelman. Photo via Catasauqua Police Department
Body discovered on the Appalachian Trail
On Monday night, hunters stumbled upon the remains on a remote stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Moore Township. The Moore Township section of AT is located approximately between the towns of Danielsville (mile 1266.5 northbound from FarOut) and Wind Gap (mile 1282).
Investigators processed the scene and transported the body to the Northampton County Coroner’s Office, and forensic experts used the remains to positively identify Edelman, ending the search that began when he was reported missing.
Edelman had last been seen on March 24 leaving his apartment complex in Catasauqua. Despite his notable criminal record, he had successfully completed his court-ordered prison sentence and had been released into the community under supervision.
While the identity of the remains is no longer in doubt, the cause and manner of Edelman’s death have yet to be determined. The coroner’s office is currently conducting further forensic analysis to establish whether foul play was involved or whether the death was the result of natural causes or road exposure.
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