West NY News

MAYVILLE, NY - The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office has provided new developments in the investigation of Yolanda Bindics' disappearance and subsequent death.

Yolanda Bindics, a 25-year-old mother of four, was reported missing on August 10, 2004, after she failed to return home from her shift at the Family Dollar store on Fluvanna Avenue in Jamestown. Her remains were discovered two years later by a hunter in Boutwell Hill State Forest, located in the Town of Charlotte. The Chautauqua County Coroner determined her death was a homicide.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff James Quattrone shared that two individuals were initially identified as persons of interest. One of them was Michael Watson, a Jamestown Police Officer. Sheriff Quattrone emphasized that Watson has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation.

Since June 2022, the Sheriff's Office has conducted 176 interviews, including several with Watson. After extensive review and re-analysis of evidence from Watson's vehicle, Bindics' vehicle, the vehicle of the other person of interest, and surveillance footage, the Sheriff's Office no longer considers Watson a person of interest in the case.

The investigation remains focused on the second person of interest, Clarence Carte, the father of Bindics' youngest child.

Surveillance footage shows Carte leaving a Kwik Fill store on Fluvanna Avenue and Washington Street at the same time Bindics was working across the street. Carte remains under investigation.

In addition to the surveillance footage, the Sheriff's Office has released drone footage of Boutwell Hill State Forest, where Ms. Bindics' remains were found.

They have also released photos of Carte at the store, his vehicle on the night in question, and Bindics' vehicle.

To aid in the ongoing investigation, the Sheriff's Office has established a tipline for anyone with information related to the case. Individuals can call 716-703-5955 with any relevant details.