CAIRO, NY – In a quiet corner of Greene County, a missing person’s case has swiftly transformed into a homicide investigation, with three family members at the center of the probe.
Roger Pitt Sr., 69, was first reported missing from his Cairo home in mid-November, prompting a search by local law enforcement. Initial reports suggested he had packed up his life and departed the region in his vintage Mercedes Benz, leaving neighbors and authorities with more questions than answers.
However, cracks soon began to appear in the story, especially after interviews with Pitt’s relatives failed to match up with the evidence uncovered by deputies and police. Inconsistent statements provided by family members heightened suspicions and led investigators to seek warrants to search the family’s property.
Authorities executed those warrants in late November, culminating in the grim discovery of Roger Pitt Sr.’s remains on land belonging to the family. The development shifted the investigation from a missing persons case to a fatal crime scene.
As of late this week, three people have been taken into custody in connection with Pitt’s death: 46-year-old Rodney Pitt, who investigators say is the victim’s son; 43-year-old Tania Pitt, identified as Rodney’s wife; and 23-year-old Drew White, believed to be dating a granddaughter of Roger Pitt Sr.
Rodney Pitt and Drew White are both facing charges that include second-degree murder and conspiracy, as well as tampering with evidence and concealment of a human corpse. Tania Pitt is charged with evidence tampering and conspiracy, but is not accused of murder.
Investigators believe the slaying occurred on or around October 31, well before the official missing person report was filed. Sheriff’s officials indicate that financial disputes may have fueled the deadly conflict, though further details about the alleged motive have not been disclosed.
Sheriff Peter Kusminsky described the situation as deeply troubling for the Cairo community, noting that such violent incidents are a rarity in this largely peaceful rural area roughly 40 miles south of Albany.
Rodney Pitt and Drew White remain in custody as the legal process unfolds, while Tania Pitt has been released under the condition that she appear in court when summoned. The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the events leading up to Roger Pitt Sr.’s death, seeking to unravel a case that has left a small town reeling.