New York Man Reported Missing Was Actually Murdered by Family Members After Financial Dispute, Investigators Say

CAIRO, NEW YORK — A 69-year-old man whose family claimed he left home in an old Mercedes was actually murdered and secretly hidden on family property, according to investigators in Greene County. The disappearance of Roger Pitt Sr., initially treated as a missing-person case, has now turned into a homicide investigation that resulted in the arrests of three family members.

Initial Missing-Person Report Quickly Raised Red Flags

Authorities say the case began on Nov. 18, when Pitt’s family members reported that he had “gathered his belongings” and driven away in his 1987 Mercedes-Benz.
But investigators soon noticed inconsistencies in the family’s statements.

Sheriff’s officials said that evidence collected early in the search did not match the family’s version of events, raising suspicions that more information was being withheld.

Search warrants were issued for the Pitt family home and surrounding property in the town of Cairo. During that search, officers discovered Pitt’s remains, confirming foul play.

Three Family Members Arrested; Two Charged With Murder

Investigators arrested three individuals connected to the case:

• Rodney Pitt, 46 – Charged with second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy, tampering with physical evidence, and concealment of a human corpse
• Drew White, 23 – Facing the same charges as Rodney Pitt
• Tania Pitt, 43 – Charged with tampering with physical evidence and sixth-degree conspiracy

According to authorities, Rodney Pitt is the victim’s son, Tania is Rodney’s wife, and White is the boyfriend of a granddaughter.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Rodney Pitt and Drew White remain in custody.
Tania Pitt has been released pending a future court appearance.

Investigators Believe the Murder Happened on October 31

Authorities say they now believe Pitt was killed on October 31, weeks before the disappearance was reported.
Sheriff Peter Kusminsky said that investigators suspect a financial conflict within the family was at the center of the dispute that led to Pitt’s death.

“We believe the possible motivation was disagreements over financial matters,” the sheriff said.

Greene County, a largely rural and typically low-crime region located about 40 miles south of Albany, rarely sees homicide cases of this nature.

Community Shocked as Case Continues to Unfold

With three suspects connected by family ties, the case has drawn significant concern across the region.
Investigators say they are still reviewing digital records, forensic evidence, and witness interviews to establish a full timeline of Pitt’s death.

Authorities have not yet disclosed exactly how Pitt was killed or where on the property his remains were found.
The sheriff’s office says more details will be released as the investigation progresses.

As Greene County detectives continue building the case and preparing for court proceedings, community members are urged to come forward with any additional information. For updates on major criminal investigations and public safety developments across the Northeast and Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.