ROSCOE — The family of Moses Baptiste is mourning his loss after his decomposed remains were discovered near a stream off County Route 92 in Roscoe on March 17.

Baptiste, 43, was reported missing in September, and after months of searching, authorities positively identified his remains through fingerprints. An investigation determined details involving his death was consistent with that of suicide.

Baptiste had lived in Sullivan County for 15 years after leaving New York City for inpatient treatment in 2010. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he had missed three mental health appointments before his disappearance. 

A letter from Sullivan County’s Mobile Mental Health clinic, dated September 16, 2024, showed that Baptiste had reached out for help two months before he was reported missing. 

According to published reports his sister, Lucy, believes the system failed him.

Described as a “gentle giant” by locals, Baptiste stood 6 feet 3 inches tall and was known for his artistic talent and sense of humor. 

According to a GoFundMe organized by his sister to assist with burial costs, he was passionate about graffiti and street art, even painting a mural at Vanguard High School in Manhattan. He also had a love for hip-hop, often writing raps while watching BET’s Hip Hop Awards and Cypher sessions.

His former landlord, Eddie Doran, who rented to Baptiste for a decade, remembers him fondly. He also noted that police never contacted him or the building’s new owner after Baptiste was reported missing.

Ways to help the family

Baptiste’s family is currently working to give him proper burial as his sister Lucy is organizing a service in Roscoe, a place she says was “really his community.” She and her brother, Othaniel, are raising funds to cover funeral expenses, burial costs, and the cleanup of Baptiste’s apartment, which had become cluttered due to hoarding.

The GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help raise $8,700 for the funeral and an additional $700 for a dumpster rental to clear out his belongings. Lucy, who is traveling back and forth to handle the arrangements, is relying on buses and Ubers, adding to the financial strain.

“We’re trying to raise these funds as soon as possible so we can move forward with the service and begin to grieve properly,” she wrote in the fundraiser. “It’s just me and my brother handling all of this, and we truly can’t do it alone.”

The family is asking for any support, whether through donations or simply sharing their story. “Moses was more than his illness—he was creative, funny, full of heart, and deeply loved. He mattered, and we want to honor him.”