Bones Found Behind Diner Are Those Of Missing Danbury Woman: PD

DANBURY, CT — Police have identified the human remains discovered by a hunter near an area diner are those of a Danbury woman who went missing in 2017.

A hunter found a human skull behind the Putnam Diner and Restaurant on Route 22 in Patterson, NY, on Saturday around 11:34 a.m. Investigators later discovered skeletal remains nearby, along with a sneaker and other articles of clothing.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has now confirmed the remains are those of Lealcria DeLima, 53, of Danbury, identified through dental records. DeLima was last seen by family members on Oct. 20, 2017. She had left her residence in her red 2016 Honda, and the car was located unoccupied at the Putnam Diner, a little more than two weeks later, on Nov. 7.

Danbury police have been searching for clues to the disappearance of DeLima since her disappearance. Last November, they took to social media in a renewed effort to solicit clues from residents.

The cause of death is still under investigation.