Haverstraw Police Find Alleged Getaway Car Of Man Suspected In Daughter-In-Law's Murder
HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The hunt for the suspect wanted in the killing of a Rockland County woman continued Tuesday with authorities finding a key piece of evidence in the case.
Eugene Palmer, 74, is the prime suspect in the killing his 39-year-old daughter-in-law, Tammy Palmer, who was found shot in the chest in the backyard of her Willow Grove Road home on Monday, police said.
Investigators said a single shotgun blast killed Tammy Palmer.
As the search for Eugene Palmer continued, police found his rusted, green 1995 Dodge pickup camper, which was later impounded, in Harriman State Park about a quarter-mile from the main road, CBS 2's Lou Young reported.
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Heavily armed police spent Tuesday trying to track down Eugene Palmer, who is believed to be armed and dangerous, in the woods. He apparently stopped by his sister's house before fleeing and admitted to the murder.
"He just came in and said, 'Here's money to pay my taxes with, I've had enough. I shot and killed Tammy. Give me an hour to get away and then do whatever you have to do — call the police…whatever you have to do,' and then he just took off," Elaine Babcock said.
Police believe ongoing domestic issues triggered the violence.
Tammy Palmer's family said Eugene Palmer began a campaign of harassment after she took out an order of protection against her husband, John, barring him from the home where she was raising their two children.
The crime scene is near Harriman State Park and police believe Eugene Palmer, a retired park ranger, is hiding somewhere in the park.
"He's lived here all his life, so he knows the woods better than any of us. He could be in the woods, but he left in his truck. He has relatives upstate, He could be upstate. He could be anywhere," Haverstraw Town Police Chief Charles Miller said.
