CUMRU TWP., Pa. – “We are saddened and still grieving this whole ordeal with our son because we were surprised at everything.”
Just hours after meeting with the Berks County Coroner, the mother of Travelle Martin, a man who went missing after a domestic incident in Flying Hills, Cumru Township, in January 2025, is still seeking closure.
“What gives you closure is when you know the answer, when you know the complete, the whole story. That’s what gives you closure,” said Charolette Croom, Martin’s mother.
Martin’s remains were found nearly a year later, in late December, near a pond. It’s an undetermined cause and manner of death according to the latest report from the coroner’s office.
“To circumvent all the other stuff and to kind of put to bed, not really put to bed, but on social media everything is so instant. Everybody is so jump to an answer, jump to a conclusion, so I thought it was important from our office to explain exactly what we did,” said Coroner Matt Stitzel.
“They labeled it as unknown because of what they had: skeletal remains,” Croom said.
A toxicology test to look for anything in Martin’s system could not be done due to the absence of soft tissue.
Meanwhile, his mother’s mind moves back to those long days and nights searching.
“I was in that area and we was turning up trees and limbs and leaves and going into holes and caves,” Croom said.
Loved ones say they are looking into exploring other investigative options.
“Our death certificate is going to say undetermined. Could it be changed? Sure. If there’s any other evidence that comes up, we’ll reopen it,” Stitzel added.