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Schenectady County, NY

Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing Capital Region Woman Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing Capital Region Woman
Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing Capital Region Woman After nearly a decade, police in New York have identified human remains found in a wooded preserve as those of Amanda King, who vanished in November 2013.  King's remains were found in Rensselaer County in Troy on Sunday, Oct. 20, near Campbell Avenue in the. Burden Pond Preserve, said Troy Police Assistant Chief Steven Barker. She was age 27 when she disappeared. Troy Police were led to the police by a resident who discovered human remains. Identification was confirmed through dental records and DNA analysis, Barker said. King, reported missing over a decade ago, from Schenecta…
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, Police Say Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, Police Say
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, Police Say A tractor-trailer driver was killed in the Capital Region after crashing into the back of another truck in which the driver was charged with DWI/ impaired by drugs. The crash occurred in Schenectady County at 10:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, on I-90 in Rotterdam. According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, an investigation determined that both tractor-trailers were traveling westbound when one vehicle, operated by a Canadian driver, crashed into the rear of the other.  The Canadian driver was declared dead at the scene, O'Neil said. The other vehicle's driver has been identified as Manuel E. A…
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Vote Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Vote
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Vote Overall New York State Vote Election Districts Reporting: 13,077 of 13,357  Kamala Harris (D) 54.64%, 4,328,017 votes Donald Trump (R) 43.26%, 3,426,964 votes Breakdown: Albany County Harris 61.01% 87,849 Trump 36.48% 52,532 Allegany County Trump 71.63% 13,102 Harris 27.65% 5,058 Bronx County Harris 71.25% 244,385 Trump 26.69% 91,542 Broome County Trump 49.34% 42,644 Harris 48.70% 42,093 Cattaraugus County Trump 65.79% 21,936 Harris 32.73% 10,914 Cayuga County Trump 55.83% 19,959 Harris 42.74% 15,278 Chautauqua County T…
First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25
First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 The first person charged in a major drug trafficking ring in the Capital Region and Dutchess County, busted last year and included 25 people, has been sentenced to prison. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the convictions of members of the major drug trafficking ring that distributed heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.  An investigation led by the Attorney General's Office recovered more than three kilograms of cocaine and approximately 40 grams of heroin laced…
Capital Region Woman Involved In Wrong-Way Crash Nabbed For Driving Drunk Capital Region Woman Involved In Wrong-Way Crash Nabbed For Driving Drunk
Capital Region Woman Involved In Wrong-Way Crash Nabbed For Driving Drunk A Capital Region woman was nabbed for alleged drunk driving and vehicular assault after crashing into another vehicle while driving the wrong way on a busy highway. The incident occurred in Albany at 1 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, on the I-87 Thruway. According to New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, troopers charged Schenectady County resident Alexandria M. McCumber, age 29, of Glenville, for driving northbound in the southbound lanes and crashing into another car on I-90 eastbound.  McCumber and the driver of the other vehicle were both extricated and transported to Albany Me…
Women Guilty Of Attempted Capital Region Arson Say It's A Prank: DA Women Guilty Of Attempted Capital Region Arson Say It's A Prank: DA
Women Guilty Of Attempted Capital Region Arson Say It's A Prank: DA A Schenectady County jury has found two women guilty of attempting to set on fire in 2022, and now they each face up to 15 years in prison, authorities said on Thursday, Aug. 15.  Jennifer Autar and  Natasha Gregoire were found guilty this week of attempted arson in the second degree and attempting to intentionally damage a dwelling by lighting a fire while a resident was inside the building, the Schenectady County Prosecutor's Office said.  Schenectady police were called to a fire reported on Forest Roads on Jan. 29, 2022. Officers used home surveill…
Fatal Crash: 31-Year-Old From Capital Region ID'd As Victim Fatal Crash: 31-Year-Old From Capital Region ID'd As Victim
Fatal Crash: 31-Year-Old From Capital Region ID'd As Victim A 31-year-old motorist was killed after crashing into a tree. The incident happened around 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, in Columbia County. An investigation determined that a motorcycle driven by Schenectady County resident Randall D. Collins, age 31, of the town of Glenville, was traveling east on Route 28 in the town of Kinderhook when he went off the south shoulder, through a field and struck a tree, according to New York State Police. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene. Niverville Fire and Greenport Rescue assisted state police. The investigation is ongoing.
Update: Missing 15-Year-Old Boy From Capital Region Located Update: Missing 15-Year-Old Boy From Capital Region Located
Andrew Laborde, 15, Found Safe In Rotterdam Update: A 15-year-old boy from the region who was reported missing has been located. Schenectady County resident Andrew Laborde, of Rotterdam, had last been seen in Rotterdam on Vischer Avenue on Sunday, July 28. On Monday afternoon, July 29, police announced that the boy was found safe. No other details were given. Original report: Police are asking for help in locating a 15-year-old boy from the region who was reported missing. Schenectady County resident Andrew Laborde, of Rotterdam, was last seen in Rotterdam on Vischer Avenue on Sunday, July 28. Police said Laborde is autistic. He…
178-Acre Entertainment Complex With Racetracks, Pool Among Priciest NY Listings 178-Acre Entertainment Complex With Racetracks, Pool Among Priciest NY Listings
178-Acre Entertainment Complex With Racetracks, Pool Among Priciest NY Listings To call this sprawling, storied estate an entertainer’s dream would be an understatement. Schenectady County’s Indian Lookout Country Club – located in Pattersonville at 1142 Batter Street – is currently among the most expensive listings in the Capital Region at $3.5 million. For over four decades, the 178-acre outdoor entertainment complex has welcomed countless guests for concerts, weddings, motocross races, Harley Rendezvous events, and more, according to the listing from eXp Realty. eXp Realty In addition to the two main houses, the rural retreat boasts multiple stages, racetrac…
'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash 'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash
GoFundMe For Late Scotia Principal Nicholas Criscone The community is rallying around the family of a beloved elementary school principal in the region who was killed in a car crash. Saratoga County resident Nicholas Criscone, age 50, of Charlton, died Saturday, July 20, when his vehicle went off Stage Road in Charlton, struck a tree, and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report: Scotia Elementary Principal Nicholas Criscone Dies In Crash News of Criscone’s death sent shock and sadness through the halls of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District in Schenectady County, w…
Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness' Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness'
Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness' New York lawmakers are considering legislation that would force internet providers to compensate customers for service outages. Under the “Internet Service Outage Consumer Protection Act,” providers would be required to issue prorated bill credits to customers for any service outages lasting more than an hour. The bill was introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who represents the 111th Assembly District covering parts of Schenectady County. “In today’s digital age, reliable internet service is not just a convenience, but a necessity,” he said. “When service is disrupted,…
Update: Capital Region Woman Found Hours After Being Reported Missing Update: Capital Region Woman Found Hours After Being Reported Missing
Glenville's Deidre Pangburn Found Hours After Going Missing Update: A woman from the region who was reported missing was located hours later. Schenectady County resident Deidre Pangburn, age 74, of Glenville, had last been seen Tuesday morning, July 2, near Swaggertown and Worden roads. On Tuesday afternoon, Glenville Police Chief Stephen Janik told Daily Voice that Pangburn was located and in good health. No other details were given. Original story: Police are asking for help in locating a missing woman from the region. Schenectady County resident Deidre Pangburn, age 74, of Glenville, was last seen Tuesday morning, July 2, near Swaggerto…
Criminal Investigation Opened In Helicopter Crash Killing NY National Guard Members: Report Criminal Investigation Opened In Helicopter Crash Killing NY National Guard Members: Report
Criminal Probe Open In Helicopter Crash Killing NY Soldiers Officials have launched a criminal investigation into a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border that killed two members from New York and a third victim, ABC News reports. The incident – which saw a UH-72 Lakota helicopter go down near Rio Grande City, Texas, on Friday, March 8 – is now the focus of an investigation by the Starr County Sheriff’s Office into whether there was any criminal wrongdoing, officials told the outlet. That investigation is separate from a parallel probe being conducted by the Department of Defense. So far, authorities have not publicly said what cau…
Nurse Mom's Neglect Kills Developmentally Disabled Daughter At Capital Region Home, DA Says Nurse Mom's Neglect Kills Developmentally Disabled Daughter At Capital Region Home, DA Says
Rotterdam Nurse Charged In Death Of Skylar Pettit Nearly a year after a developmentally disabled woman was found dead and wrapped in plastic in a home in the region, her mother has been arrested. Schenectady County residents Amber Geier and her boyfriend Rickey Loika were arrested Thursday, April 18, in the death of Geier’s 24-year-old daughter Skylar Pettit. The young woman, who had Down syndrome and diabetes, was found dead inside her Rotterdam residence on July 31, 2023 following a welfare check requested by her school. Investigators determined that she had been dead for months. “At first both of these people assured police that Skylar…
Inmate Dies At Capital Region Jail; Investigation Underway Inmate Dies At Capital Region Jail; Investigation Underway
Inmate's Death At Schenectady County Jail Being Investigated An investigation is underway after an inmate died at a jail in the region. Staff at the Schenectady County jail discovered 53-year-old Hussayn McCain unresponsive in his cell at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, according to the sheriff’s office. Officers and medics attempted to revive the man, but he was later pronounced dead at Ellis Hospital. Sheriff’s officials did not speculate on a possible cause of death. An official determination will come from the Schenectady County Medical Examiner’s office. There is no evidence to suggest that McCain’s death was a suicide, Deputy Superintend…
'Groomer' Admits Filming 12-Year-Old Girl In Bathroom, Buying Her Sex Toy: Capital Region DA 'Groomer' Admits Filming 12-Year-Old Girl In Bathroom, Buying Her Sex Toy: Capital Region DA
'Groomer' Admits Filming 12-Year-Old Girl In Bathroom, Buying Her Sex Toy: Capital Region DA A man from the region has confessed to secretly filming a 12-year-old girl in the bathroom and engaging in other “grooming” behaviors, prosecutors said. Schenectady County resident Ramar Martin, of Niskayuna, pleaded guilty to felony unlawful surveillance in Schenectady County Court on Monday, March 11. According to prosecutors, Niskayuna Police began investigating when the young victim, who is known to Martin, came forward with several disturbing accusations against the man, including that he had purchased her a sex toy and lingerie. The girl told police that Martin also spoke to her whil…
'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says 'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says
'Significant Progress': Murders, Shootings, Car Thefts Down In Capital Region, Hochul Says Gov. Kathy Hochul is crediting recent multimillion-dollar policing initiatives with bringing down overall crime in the region. Speaking at the New York State Police Troop G headquarters in Latham on Monday, March 4, Hochul said Capital Region cities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative all saw the number of shootings with injuries drop in 2023 compared to the previous year. The initiative provides tens of millions of dollars in state funding to local police departments to pay for equipment, overtime, and training meant to reduce shootings and homi…
Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say
Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say The owner of a fence building company is accused of taking thousands of dollars from area homeowners for jobs that were never completed. Schenectady County resident James Butler, age 30, of Glenville, was arrested on Friday, Feb. 23 on a felony charge of grand larceny. Glenville Police said Butler, who owns and operates “Trust a Fence,” accepted over $7,000 from a Glenville homeowner to purchase fencing material. However, the job was never finished. An investigation found several similar claims that are being investigated by the Scotia, Colonie, Guilderland, and Niskayuna police department…
Capital Region Man Admits Storing Child Porn On USB Flash Drive Capital Region Man Admits Storing Child Porn On USB Flash Drive
Capital Region Man Admits Storing Child Porn On USB Flash Drive A 40-year-old man from the region could spend decades behind bars for having child pornography. Schenectady County resident Aaron Griesche, of Niskayuna, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in Albany federal court on Thursday, Jan. 11. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, Griesche admitted to storing illicit images of children on a USB flash drive that was found in his home in July 2021. He confessed to purchasing the memory stick online and then transferring videos depicting child sex abuse from the internet to the device. The case was investigated b…
Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Bridge Strike, Explosion In Capital Region Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Bridge Strike, Explosion In Capital Region
Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Bridge Strike, Explosion In Capital Region A tractor-trailer driver who suffered severe burns in a bridge strike and explosion in the region has been criminally charged. The Schenectady County incident happened at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in Glenville on Maple Avenue. Fire officials said 60-year-old Sylvester Basil, of Clute, Texas, was transporting individual containers of compressed natural gas when he slammed into the steel truss railroad overpass. Earlier Report: Tractor-Trailer Driver Severely Burned After Glenville Bridge Strike, Explosion The impact sparked a massive explosion and fire that gutted the truc…
Tractor-Trailer Driver Severely Burned After Capital Region Bridge Strike, Explosion Tractor-Trailer Driver Severely Burned After Capital Region Bridge Strike, Explosion
Tractor-Trailer Driver Severely Burned After Capital Region Bridge Strike, Explosion A tractor-trailer driver is hospitalized with severe burns after he crashed into a railroad bridge in the region, triggering a massive explosion and fire. The Schenectady County incident happened at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in Glenville on Maple Avenue. Fire officials said the truck, carrying individual containers of compressed natural gas, was too tall to clear the 10-foot-high steel truss overpass and exploded on impact. Photos and videos on social media show flames shooting up hundreds of feet into the air, as well as the truck’s cab gutted by fire. When emergency crews firs…
New Update: Capital Region Highway Partially Reopens Following Tractor-Trailer Crash New Update: Capital Region Highway Partially Reopens Following Tractor-Trailer Crash
New Update: Capital Region Highway Partially Reopens Following Tractor-Trailer Crash This story has been updated. A major interstate in the region was shut down in both directions following a tractor-trailer crash that left a person seriously injured.  The Schenectady County wreck happened just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, on I-88 in the town Duanesburg. According to New York State Police, a box truck drove off the roadway near exit 24 and went down a steep ravine. The driver was taken to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash and nobody else was injured. Both directions of I-88 were closed for most of the day be…
Feast Without Fuss: Thanksgiving Dinner Served At These Capital Region Restaurants Feast Without Fuss: Thanksgiving Dinner Served At These Capital Region Restaurants
Feast Without Fuss: Thanksgiving Dinner Served At These Capital Region Restaurants Skip the cooking and dirty dishes and spend Thanksgiving at one of these local restaurants serving up their own holiday feasts. The following eateries have announced that they will be open Thursday, Nov. 23, and serving traditional Thanksgiving meals: Montgomery County Raindancer Restaurant - 4582 NY-30 in Amsterdam. Serving their regular dinner menu and a traditional turkey dinner from noon to 7 p.m.  Meal includes sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sausage stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and choice of tossed or Caesar salad. Cost is $30.99. Accepting takeout orders …
Armed Robber Carjacks Victim In Capital Region Neighborhood, Police Say Armed Robber Carjacks Victim In Capital Region Neighborhood, Police Say
Armed Robber Carjacks Victim In Capital Region Neighborhood, Police Say Police are investigating an armed carjacking that occurred in a residential neighborhood in the region. The Schenectady County incident happened at around 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, in the village of Scotia on Bruce Street. The victim told police the suspect came up behind him and threatened him with a gun. The suspect then forcibly stole his car before fleeing toward North Ballston Avenue. Officers later found the car abandoned several blocks away at the Cambridge Manor apartments. Surveillance footage shared by police shows the suspect wearing a green jacket, black pants, and a face mask…
29-Year-Old Busted Driving Stolen Utility Truck In Capital Region, Police Say 29-Year-Old Busted Driving Stolen Utility Truck In Capital Region, Police Say
29-Year-Old Busted Driving Stolen Utility Truck In Capital Region, Police Say A 29-year-old man has been arrested months after a work truck was stolen from a business in the region. The theft occurred early Monday, July 31, in Schenectady County at a business in Princetown, according to New York State Police. Troopers were told that someone made off with a utility truck and a construction trailer. The vehicles were later found roughly five miles away, in the town of Rotterdam. On Sunday, Oct. 29, troopers arrested Brendan Coogan, of Schenectady, after an investigation found that he drove the vehicles without permission after they were stolen. Coogan is charged wit…
Drunk Woman With Child In Car Crashes On Capital Region Roadway, Police Say Drunk Woman With Child In Car Crashes On Capital Region Roadway, Police Say
Drunk Woman With Child In Car Crashes On Capital Region Roadway, Police Say A woman from the region is facing DWI charges following a car crash in the region involving a child. The Schenectady County incident happened at around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the town of Duanesburg. Elizabeth Taylor, age 43, of Duanesburg, was driving on Mariaville Scotch Church Road when she went off the roadway and crashed, according to New York State Police. At the time of the incident, Taylor had a passenger under the age of 15 in the car, troopers said.  Neither of them was injured. No other cars were involved in the crash. Troopers arrested Taylor on suspicion of drivi…
Taxidermist Admits Improperly Disposing Of Animals, Other Violations At Capital Region Business Taxidermist Admits Improperly Disposing Of Animals, Other Violations At Capital Region Business
Taxidermist Admits Improperly Disposing Of Animals, Other Violations At Capital Region Business A taxidermist in the region has admitted to improperly disposing of animal parts and other violations. The Schenectady County business owner, who operates a taxidermy company in Glenville on Scotch Bush Road, pleaded guilty and paid a fine for Environmental Conservation Law violations on Monday, Oct. 3. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), officers executed a search warrant at the business in April 2023. Inside, they reportedly found animal parts that were improperly disposed of and susceptible to Chronic Wasting Disease, which affects deer, elk, reindeer, and m…
Cold Case Confession: NY Man Admits Stabbing Woman To Death 29 Years Later, Police Say Cold Case Confession: NY Man Admits Stabbing Woman To Death 29 Years Later, Police Say
Cold Case Confession: NY Man Admits Stabbing Woman To Death 29 Years Later, Police Say Nearly 30 years after a woman was found stabbed to death inside her home, a New York man has confessed to her murder following a DNA breakthrough. Schenectady County resident Stephen Smerk, age 51, of Niskayuna, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the November 1994 killing of Robin Lawrence in Springfield, Virginia, police announced Monday, Sept. 11. The 37-year-old mother was found dead from multiple stab wounds three days after the killing, on Nov. 20, 1994, according to police. Her 2-year-old daughter was also found in the home days later, unharmed. Investigators devel…
Cold Case: Capital Region Man Confesses To Grisly 1994 Murder, Police Say Cold Case: Capital Region Man Confesses To Grisly 1994 Murder, Police Say
Cold Case: Capital Region Man Confesses To Grisly 1994 Murder, Police Say A 51-year-old man from the region has been arrested in a Virginia homicide, cracking a 29-year cold case, authorities announced. Schenectady County resident Stephen Smerk, of Niskayuna, is facing second-degree manslaughter in the Nov. 20, 1994 death of 37-year-old Robin Lawrence, who was found dead in a Springfield, Virginia home, Fairfax County police said. Smerk is believed to have stabbed Lawrence inside of her home, when he was 22 years old, authorities said. In 1994, a DNA profile was developed; however, at the time there was no match in any system for the recovered DNA. In the …
‘Much Deserved’: Popular Cafe In Capital Region To Be Featured On 'America's Best Restaurants' ‘Much Deserved’: Popular Cafe In Capital Region To Be Featured On 'America's Best Restaurants'
‘Much Deserved’: Popular Cafe In Capital Region To Be Featured On 'America's Best Restaurants' A popular cafe in the region known for its impressive breakfast and lunch menu is about to get its 15 minutes of fame. Schenectady County restaurant Lily’s Cafe, located in Glenville at 181 Freemans Bridge Road, is set to appear on “America’s Best Restaurants,” which highlights independently owned eateries across the country. Filming will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 29, the restaurant announced on Facebook. Episodes typically touch on popular dishes and the history of the business, and provide viewers with a peek inside the kitchen. An interview with owners Scott and Beth McGlauflin is al…
These High Schools Rank No. 1 In Their Capital Region Counties, Report Says These High Schools Rank No. 1 In Their Capital Region Counties, Report Says
These High Schools Rank No. 1 In Their Capital Region Counties, Report Says The grades are in and these Capital Region high schools are a cut above the rest, according to the community and school ranking site Niche. After considering a number of key areas, the following schools were ranked top in their respective county in the website’s 2023 “Best Public High Schools” report: Albany County: Shaker High School in Latham Columbia County: Chatham High School Greene County: Coxsackie-Athens High School Rensselaer County: Columbia High School in East Greenbush Saratoga County: Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park Schenectady County: Niskayuna High School in Schen…