Cortlandt Cold Case: Teen's Body Dropped Off Cliff

CORTLANDT, NY — State Police in Troop K continue to investigate the 1970 homicide of a teen found in Cortlandt. State Police in Troop K continue to investigate the homicide of 15-year-old Alice Lezan of Franklin Township, New Jersey.

On November 15, 1970, State Police found Lezan's remains bound with rope and inside a red sleeping bag at the bottom of a 60-foot drop near Camp Smith, off Bear Mountain Road, in Cortlandt. In March, the body was first discovered by a boy walking in the woods, but his parents did not believe his story. The boy returned with friends in November. The boy’s parents then contacted the State Police.

Lezan’s death was ruled a homicide and she was identified using dental records. Lezan was last seen on Sept. 26, 1969, near a hotel on West 48th Street in New York City. Lezan was wearing gray and white pants with a purple shirt, and was with a man believed to have tried to lure her into prostitution.

Early in the investigation, other prostitutes told investigators the man stated Alice went home. It is not believed Alice was ever a prostitute. Investigators from the State Police in Cortlandt continue to ask for the public’s assistance to solve this homicide and bring and peace to Alice and her family.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please call 845-677-7300.