It's been just over a week since a 27-year-old woman's body was found dumped in Hyde park. Michael Howard reports.
HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- In a news conference Thursday morning in Hyde Park state police announced the arrest of 55-year-old Poughkeepsie resident William McKinney, and charged him with second degree murder. Police said he is the man who killed 27-year-old Poughkeepsie resident Jerusha Christie.
"It was a serious case, we put a lot of effort and resources into it," said NY state police Lt. Paul Dequarto.
Police said their investigation began March 17th when Christie's body was discovered on the grounds of the old Psychiatric center in Hyde park, with a stab wound to her chest.
"That investigation led us to 333 Mansion Street in the city of Poughkeepsie," said Dequarto.
Tuesday, investigators swarmed the home with a search warrant, taking bags full of evidence and charging 33-year-old first floor resident Gerome Harris with hindering prosecution. Police said Christie was killed inside the home.
"The investigation determined Harris was involved in disposing of her body," said Dequarto.
Detectives said all three were known to police and each other, a motive to the killing is still under investigation.
"This victim mattered, and solving this crime and finding answers for her family were of the upmost importance to investigators," Robin Benzinger, NY State police.
McKinney, the man who police said killed Christie, is being held without bail and Harris is being held on $100,000 bond.