Missing Bucks Co. Man's Remains Found At Quarry, Roommate Charged

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The remains of a young father of two who disappeared 16 years ago were found last week in a Bucks County quarry, and his former roommate is charged with his murder, authorities announced Tuesday.

Adam Brundage was 26 when he was last seen on Oct. 4, 2004. Investigators located his remains in a Chalfont quarry on Jan. 16.

Daman Andrew Smoot, 36, who was Brundage's roommate at the time of his disappearance, has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with the man's death.

According to information from the Bucks County District Attorney, the pair were roommates just weeks before having an argument at H&K Materials Quarry, where Smoot worked.

The two had gone there for sand to fix a grading issue at Brundage’s home, investigators said. During the argument, Smoot struck Brundage in the head with a baseball bat, then used his hand to cover Brundage’s mouth and nose until he died, according to Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub. Smoot then buried Brundage’s body at the quarry; the remains were found by a team of investigators after digging for hours.

After Brundage’s death, Smoot continued to live in his home and provided numerous inconsistent accounts about Brundage’s whereabouts, according to a criminal complaint provided by the DA's office.

The case was reopened in April.

Investigators confronted Smooth earlier this month and cited evidence against him, according to the criminal complaint. It was at that point Smoot agreed to reveal the location of Brundage’s remains and enter a guilty plea to third-degree murder.

The Bucks County District Attorney said he will recommend a penalty of 20 to 40 years of incarceration.

Smoot remains in jail in lieu of bail, which was set at $1,000,000 cash. His formal arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 21.

“To our police in Bucks County I ask that if you have a cold case murder, please bring it to us. To the victims of cold cases yet unsolved, don’t give up hope," Weintraub said at a Tuesday press conference.