Family awaits answers on DNA, torso

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - In Niagara Falls, the family of a missing mom is anxiously awaiting answers after a torso was discovered last week near the Rainbow Bridge.

Friday, DNA results may reveal if the headless torso found is Loretta Gates. Family members are hoping that is not the case and their beloved daughter and mother will return home safely.

Loretta Gates' family knows they need to prepare for the worst, but Friday morning they aren't giving up.

Loretta, a mother of three, was last seen running across the street to the convenience store in Niagara Falls around 11 p.m. on August 25. She hasn't been since since.

Police are investigating a disturbing possibility. Days after Loretta was last seen, police found a headless torso floating in the Niagara River. The features on the torso matched some of Loretta's according to her family. Police took DNA samples from Loretta's family and are waiting to see if the torso could be Loretta's.

The missing woman’s sister Lisa Gates said, “They told him to prepare for the worst, because of things happened things match up.”

The family told News 4 that the two things that match up perfectly are the fact that the torso had a belly-button piercing that had closed up, Loretta had one as well. In addition, the torso had a cesarean scar and Loretta has had a cesarean during at least one of her pregnancies

This news hit the cataract city just days after little Bella Tennant was found murdered in a garbage can. Niagara Falls residents hearing about the latest developments were shocked, and say crime is getting out of control in the area.

Niagara Falls resident Stephanie Rodriguez said, “I'm always looking over my shoulder, see who's following me. Always grab my kids' hands. You know?”