Body found Sunday is missing Penn Yan woman

Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike reports that the Monroe County Medical Examiner has positively identified the body found in the woods Sunday April 4, 2010 near the NYSEG electrical compound 1716 Flat Street in the Town of Benton North of Penn Yan as that of Marilyn Whitacker, age 83 of 122 Stark Ave, Penn Yan, NY missing since last seen on January 22, 2010 in Penn Yan. It was reported to Penn Yan Police that she suffered from dementia and other heath issues. The examination did not reveal any signs of trauma nor fractures. Dental records did make a positive match and the family has identified clothing (although different than what she was reported to have been wearing), wrist watch worn, and a hat found in the same wooded area as that of Marilyn’s. Investigation continues as to cause of death, and it remains officially undetermined and pending as the ME has further tests to complete. Penn Yan Chief of Police Mark Hulse did notify her family late this morning.Investigation would indicate that her sightings between 10AM and 11AM Friday January 22 had been verified and after several blocks likely walked back home. “We theorize that she ventured out again dressed differently later that same day and could have walked the railroad tracks or out Flat Street walking North about one and half miles from home to where the tracks meet Flat Street and crossed over several hundred yards to the North West to the area near the NYSEG electrical compound where she collapsed in those nearby woods,” said Sheriff Spike, “All indications point to natural causes at this point, but the ME will have the final determination.”