NEW HAVEN — Human remains discovered last week in a wooded lot off Rock Creek Road have been identified as Denise Leary, a New Haven woman reported missing nearly six months ago, authorities confirmed Tuesday, March 25.
“People clearing brush behind their house on Rock Creek Road found remains in a wooded area last Thursday,” police said in a March 25 post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The human remains found on Rock Creek Road have been identified by the OCME as Denise Leary (b. 1965) of New Haven. Cause and manner of death are still pending.”
Leary, 59, was last seen on September 30 at her home near Rock Creek Road. Police issued a missing person alert in the days that followed. No sightings were reported publicly since that time.
The medical examiner’s office has not yet released details surrounding how or when she died.
Investigators have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. As of Tuesday, they continue working to determine the circumstances around Leary’s death.
The area where she was found is dense with brush and sits behind a cluster of residential homes. Police did not specify the exact address where the body was recovered. The discovery came as residents were clearing thick overgrowth on their property.
New Haven Police have not released further details about the investigation. Updates are expected following the full report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Anyone with information is urged to contact New Haven Police.
