Montville Township police announced Tuesday that a death investigation has been opened after two senior residents of Cedar Crest Senior Living were reported missing over the weekend. The individuals, identified as 77‑year‑old John Higgins and 87‑year‑old Virginia Taetzch, were last seen near Pyramid Mountain on Sunday at approximately 1 p.m.
Search efforts and community response
Police initially issued a public call for information and released photographs of the missing couple. Volunteers from the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as local faith‑based groups, joined law‑enforcement officers in a coordinated search of the area off Stony Brook Road. Cedar Crest Senior Living issued a statement expressing deep concern for the two residents, saying, “Our thoughts are with them and their families, and we are hopeful for their safe return. The safety and well‑being of our community members is always our highest priority.”
Investigation details
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the Montville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and several neighboring police agencies, is overseeing the investigation. While officials have not confirmed whether the missing seniors are the victims linked to the ongoing death probe, they emphasized that the investigation is active and that any new information will be promptly shared with the public.
Authorities have not released details about the cause of death or any evidence discovered at the scene. The investigation remains in its early stages, and police have asked anyone who saw the couple after they left Cedar Crest or who may have noticed unusual activity in the Stony Brook Road vicinity to contact the Montville Police Department.
Impact on the community
Montville residents have rallied around the search effort, offering assistance, prayers, and resources. Local churches have organized prayer vigils, and the town’s volunteer fire department has provided logistical support for search teams. The incident has highlighted the importance of community vigilance, especially for vulnerable seniors living in assisted‑living facilities.
Senior‑care advocates in the area are calling for a review of safety protocols at Cedar Crest and similar facilities, emphasizing the need for clear evacuation procedures and regular check‑ins for residents who may be at risk of wandering.
Next steps
Police expect to continue the search throughout the week, employing both ground teams and aerial resources as needed. The investigation will remain open until the missing individuals are located and the circumstances of their disappearance are fully understood. Updates will be posted on the Montville Police Department’s website and through local news outlets as new information becomes available.
Anyone with tips or information is urged to call the Montville Police Department at (973) 555‑1234 or submit an anonymous tip through the town’s online portal.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
