PHOENIX — The skull of an Anthem woman who has been missing since 2022 has been found in New River.
JoAnn Dudek’s husband last saw her on Nov. 13, 2022, at their home in a separate bedroom. The next morning she has disappeared and has not been heard from since.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, a skull was found in New River that has since been identified as Dudek, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
No other information about Dudek's cause of death was released.
Erin Murtha, Dudek's niece said they were informed that the remains belonged to their loved one Tuesday morning. Murtha said she knew the chances her beloved aunt would still be alive nearly two years after her disappearance were slim.
"It is such a mixed bag of emotions," Murtha said. "On one hand, you have a bit of relief, because this is what my family has thought was going to be the end of this case for quite some time now, and we're not surprised by this outcome."
Murtha, who lives in New York, said they learned of the disappearance from Dudek's daughter who lived with her mom and dad. She also said shortly after Dudek disappeared her husband passed away.
"Her daughter informed us that JoAnn was gone and those are the words she used, 'she's gone'," Murtha said. "The story that was told to us was that there had been an argument the night of the 13th and that JoAnn had up and left.”
The family had a hard time believing that story Murtha said. Dudek had reportedly left her keys and phone inside her Anthem home. Now all this time later, Murtha said they are feeling a slight sense of relief knowing Dudek has been found.
“The worst purgatory we could have lived in was living the rest of our lives without answers," she said. "While it is heart-wrenching to have heard this news... this is a lot better of a situation than having never found her."
That doesn't mean this brings closure to the family. Murtha said she believes something sinister happened to her aunt.
“Our family does not believe that JoAnn went on a long walk and died," she said. "We believe that whatever happened was done to her. So this is half of the closure we need. The other half is holding the person or persons responsible for this accountable.”
MCSO confirmed its homicide unit is investigating this case.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
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