Deceased suspect linked to Yando's robbery

PLATTSBURGH | A multi-agency investigation quickly identified a suspect in the June 2023 robbery at Yando's Big M in Plattsburgh and DNA evidence recently confirmed his identity. The suspect, Darrell Cordes, was found deceased inside a Manhattan motel roughly three weeks after the crime he was recently linked to through DNA testing. On June 14, an armed male robbed the Skyway Plaza grocery store at gunpoint at about 8 p.m., stealing roughly $10,000 cash before fleeing on foot. Police were able to obtain video footage from local businesses and residences and determine the suspect's route of travel. By canvassing the community and conducting interviews, police learned of suspicious activity in a Pike Street parking lot around the time of the crime. A search warrant for trash cans in the lot led to the discovery of clothing the suspect was wearing as well as a cash bag and currency bands stolen during the robbery. In the days following, Plattsburgh City Police were able to identify Cordes as a suspect in the case, learning he purchased a bus ticket three days after the robbery using a fake name. While there was enough evidence to arrest Cordes, his whereabouts remained unknown as the secured evidence was sent to the New York State Police Forensics Investigation Center for DNA analysis. On July 7, City Police detectives learned Cordes was found dead from natural causes inside a Manhattan hotel room, where he checked in using a fake name. During the related NYPD investigation into his death, no firearms or U.S. currency were located. On March 21, City Police announced recent results from the NYS Forensic Investigation Center testing which confirmed Cordes as the Yando's robber. Police believe Cordes acted alone and said there is no heightened threat to public safety. The Plattsburgh City Police Department thanked New York State Police, the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, Homeland Security Investigations, University Police Department, NYS Forest Rangers, business owners and community residents for their assistance with the investigation.

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Deceased suspect linked to Yando's robbery

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