Posted on: October 29, 2026 04:30 PM

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Update State police investigate deaths in franklin and wayne counties

New York State Police executed search warrants and processed both scenes as part of the ongoing investigation. At the residence on South Woods Road in the town of Moira, troopers located a deceased female who had sustained gunshot wounds. She was later identified as Melissa K. Pelc-Lohr, age 50 of Brushton.

The Franklin County Coroner responded to the scene and ordered the body to be transported to Glens Falls Hospital, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

At the second scene, the Wayne County Sheriff’s, deployed their BearCat armored vehicle and troopers approached the suspects vehicle. The operator and sole occupant was found deceased, sustaining a gunshot wound. The operator was identified as Norman E. Lohr Jr.,age 50 of Michigan.

The Wayne County Coroner responded to the scene and ordered the removal of the body to the Monroe Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

This remains an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Update:

On October 27, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., New York State Police responded to a residence on South Woods Road in the town of Moira, Franklin County, to conduct a criminal investigation.

Upon arrival, Troopers located a deceased female at the residence. State Police investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. The investigation remains active, with members processing the scene and executing search warrants.

During the investigation, information obtained through investigative resources led State Police to identify a vehicle potentially connected to the incident.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., State Police members assigned to Troop E located a vehicle matching the description, a red 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, in the town of Lyons, Wayne County.

State Police, assisted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The operator failed to comply, and a pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, Wayne County sheriff’s deputies deployed tire deflation devices. The vehicle subsequently left the roadway on State Route 14 in the town of Lyons.

Troopers and Wayne County sheriff’s deputies issued commands for the operator to exit the vehicle, but the operator did not comply. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office subsequently deployed an armored vehicle to approach the Silverado. The operator was found deceased inside the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain under investigation.

The New York State Police are being assisted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

On October 27, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., New York State Police responded to a residence on South Woods Road in the town of Moira for an investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the New York State Police, involving personnel from Troops B and E, in conjunction with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

This remains an active investigation.

From NYSP