Medical examiner IDs missing Frazer woman

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner on Wednesday identified the remains of a woman found in a wooded area in Armstrong County as those of Darlene Harbison of Frazer.

The identification comes after Allegheny County Police on Monday reported that a license plate number on a motorcycle that was found and reported by a hunter that day on a hillside along Nichola Road in West Franklin was registered to Harbison, 59, who was last seen Sept. 11.

Her remains were found under the motorcycle, police said.

The medical examiner’s report does not list a cause or manner of death, which Lt. Venerando Costa said police are awaiting.

County spokesperson Amie Downs did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

Police say Harbison disappeared at the hands of her boyfriend, Eric Gibbs, with whom she had a volatile relationship. Gibbs, 57, was found dead Sept. 17 by hunters near Logan Road in West Deer from what police said was a suicide.

Harbison asked for a protection from abuse order against Gibbs on April 29, and a temporary PFA was issued. On May 9, a PFA was granted that was valid through Nov. 9, according to online court records reported by the Tribune-Review.

But, on June 1, Harbison asked for the PFA to be withdrawn, court records state.

According to county police, Harbison’s daughter made several attempts to contact her mother but had no success. She requested a welfare check and an investigation was initiated.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Allegheny County police tip line at 833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous. The department also can be reached via its social media sites.