Body found behind TGI Fridays/hotels in Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Update March 28, 2024: Officials announced the body found in the woods behind TGI Fridays/hotels is linked to the 142 Carlisle St. death investigation, at the former home of missing Wilkes-Barre woman Debra Fox.

March 27, 2024

What is up with the recent spate of unidentified remains in Wilkes-Barre? We still haven’t had an update about the body found in the Susquehanna River near Kirby Park on March 12. And the investigation into the remains found in a basement at 142 Carlisle Street in Wilkes-Barre is ongoing.

Yesterday, authorities found a body in the area behind the TGI Fridays on Kidder Street in Wilkes-Barre. This location is part of a complex that includes three 2-star hotels: the Host Inn All Suites, Wilkes-Barre Inn & Suites, and Fairfield Inn.

The Times Leader reported that a significant police presence, including Wilkes-Barre police and state troopers, arrived at the scene shortly before noon on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The body was discovered at the bottom of a steep embankment in a wooded area behind the Host Inn All Suites Hotel.

The terrain was so dense that the Public Works Department had to clear access using chainsaws and pole saws. Wooden planks were also used to create makeshift steps on the steep slope. Luzerne County Coroner Jill Matthews removed the body shortly before 3 p.m.

PaHomePage spoke with a Wilkes-Barre man who said told them he’s observed police searching the woods behind the hotel for months. “I’ve seen them coming in and out; detectives have been digging every day,” he said.

Really?

Police Chief Joseph Coffay told the Times Leader more information will be released later.

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