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The Maid of the Mist and the American Falls at Niagara FallsJohn Holdstock

Police say a torso found in the Niagara River last month is that of a 30-year-old Niagara Falls, N.Y. woman who disappeared on Aug. 25.

Niagara regional police Constable Derek Watson says Loretta Jo Gates was identified after her family provided DNA samples and some of her personal items to New York state police.

The investigation into Ms. Gates's death has been classified as a homicide and is being jointly investigated by Niagara Falls, N.Y., city police and New York state police.

Later Friday, Constable Watson said police have recovered a partial arm and leg from the river after the body parts were spotted by a fisherman.

The body parts have been sent to Hamilton for examination and Constable Watson says it's not known if they are linked with the Gates case.

Ms. Gates was living at her mother's house in Niagara Falls, N.Y., when she disappeared the night of Aug. 25 after telling her mother she was going across the street to a store.

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