Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of an elderly woman found along a popular bike trail in Oil City. Officials say the initial investigation at the scene was not conclusive to the manner and cause of death. Following an autopsy, the investigation of the woman’s death had been upgraded to a homicide investigation. Oil City Firefighters IAFF Local #700 identified the woman as Marcy Suzette Nellis on their Facebook page.In the post, the Oil City Firefighters IAFF Local #700 union said, “At no point did responders give up hope, and everyone came together and worked as a well-oiled machine throughout the entire search.”Nellis was reportedly out for a walk Sunday afternoon when she went missing. The firefighter’s union said the first 12 hours of the search involved more than 100 trained personnel, a search and rescue team, a helicopter, drones with night vision, search dogs, and boats.District Attorney Shawn White said Nellis was found Monday morning.A source told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4, Nellis was ultimately found near a stretch of the trail off Osborne St. which is across the road from Clarion University’s Venango campus. A friend of Nellis said Suzette, as she knew her, was the first to welcome her to the area and was always so kind.“Every time we would go on walks, she would stop us just to say hello, to be friendly, just a wonderful person. This is such a terrible way for her to leave,” the friend said.The Oil City bike trail was nearly empty Thursday, except for the Allegheny Valley Trials Association bike patrol and police.“It’s a beautiful trail. There’s hiking, kayaking, fishing, and the trails all interconnect all the way up through several different trial systems, so in that aspect it’s really nice,” Mike Kdamczyk said.President of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association, Bill Weller said in his 28 years with the organization nothing like this has ever happened. No suspect is in custody at this time, according to officials. They say an investigation was “carefully carried out,” and the family of the victim has been notified. Officials say no further information will be released regarding the cause and manner of death. Pennsylvania State Police, Oil City police and the county DA’s office continue to investigate this incident.”Because of the nature of this investigation, the public is advised to use caution when utilizing trails in our community at this time,” officials said in the statement. Suspicious activity along the Oil City bike trail can be reported to law enforcement at 814-678-3080. This is a developing story. Stay with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 for updates. Download the WTAE mobile app to stay connected with breaking news.
Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of an elderly woman found along a popular bike trail in Oil City.
Officials say the initial investigation at the scene was not conclusive to the manner and cause of death. Following an autopsy, the investigation of the woman’s death had been upgraded to a homicide investigation.
Oil City Firefighters IAFF Local #700 identified the woman as Marcy Suzette Nellis on their Facebook page.
In the post, the Oil City Firefighters IAFF Local #700 union said, “At no point did responders give up hope, and everyone came together and worked as a well-oiled machine throughout the entire search.”
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Nellis was reportedly out for a walk Sunday afternoon when she went missing.
The firefighter’s union said the first 12 hours of the search involved more than 100 trained personnel, a search and rescue team, a helicopter, drones with night vision, search dogs, and boats.
District Attorney Shawn White said Nellis was found Monday morning.
A source told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4, Nellis was ultimately found near a stretch of the trail off Osborne St. which is across the road from Clarion University’s Venango campus.
A friend of Nellis said Suzette, as she knew her, was the first to welcome her to the area and was always so kind.
“Every time we would go on walks, she would stop us just to say hello, to be friendly, just a wonderful person. This is such a terrible way for her to leave,” the friend said.
The Oil City bike trail was nearly empty Thursday, except for the Allegheny Valley Trials Association bike patrol and police.
“It’s a beautiful trail. There’s hiking, kayaking, fishing, and the trails all interconnect all the way up through several different trial systems, so in that aspect it’s really nice,” Mike Kdamczyk said.
President of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association, Bill Weller said in his 28 years with the organization nothing like this has ever happened.
No suspect is in custody at this time, according to officials. They say an investigation was “carefully carried out,” and the family of the victim has been notified.
Officials say no further information will be released regarding the cause and manner of death.
Pennsylvania State Police, Oil City police and the county DA’s office continue to investigate this incident.
“Because of the nature of this investigation, the public is advised to use caution when utilizing trails in our community at this time,” officials said in the statement.
Suspicious activity along the Oil City bike trail can be reported to law enforcement at 814-678-3080.
This is a developing story. Stay with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 for updates. Download the WTAE mobile app to stay connected with breaking news.
