07:16:00
Woman Charged With Murder of Missing
Fiancé After His Kayak Capsizes
The fiancée of a man who
disappeared after his kayak capsized in New York State has been charged with
second-degree murder in connection with his death, authorities said today.
Angelika Graswald, 35, and
Vincent Viafore, 46, both of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., were kayaking on the Hudson
River near Cornwall, N.Y., at approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 19, according to
the New York State Police.
Graswald "did
intentionally cause the death of Vincent Viafore," according to a criminal
complaint by the Orange County District Attorney's office.
According to authorities,
rough water and strong winds caused Viafore's kayak to overturn.
Viafore, who was not
wearing a life jacket, was unable to right to his kayak, according to state
police.
Graswald called 911,
according to authorities, and they initially said that she tried to help him.
While trying to help her
fiancé, she fell out of her kayak, but was later located in the water by a
boater and rescued, authorities initially said, noting that Graswald was later
treated and released from a local hospital for hypothermia.
Authorities located both
kayaks, but Viafore was not found, according to state police. Despite what
initially appeared to be a tragedy on the open water, Graswald has now been
charged with murder.
It's unclear why
authorities believe Graswald acted with intent to allegedly kill Viafore. At a
news conference this afternoon, New York State Police officials did not specify
a motive or detail how Viafore was killed.
It was unclear if Graswald
has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
Graswald is scheduled to
next appear in court on May 5, according to Orange County District Attorney
David Hoovler.
“My office is working
closely with the New York State Police to ensure that this case can be
presented to an Orange County Grand Jury next week,” Hoovler said in a
statement today, noting that the investigation is ongoing.
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