A deadly shooting Sunday morning interrupted an otherwise peaceful parents' weekend at Marist College.
In a press conference on Monday, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department named two suspects in the shooting — Roy A. Johnson Jr. and Devin M. Taylor. They allegedly opened fire in the lobby of the Courtyard Marriott, firing multiple rounds, before police apprehended them.
Police said the victim, found inside the hotel, was later declared dead at a local hospital. Police said the victim was a father of a Marist student, but beyond that, police say the family did not want more information released and that the victim did not have a personal connection to or know the suspects.
"In a peaceful Sunday morning, shattered what should have been the last day of a celebration in and among our community. Innocent individuals convening in a lobby of a hotel going about their business were tragically impacted and one life horrifically taken,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
When investigating the scene, police said a search of the suspect’s room turned up materials when – if done in a certain way – could make explosives. They were quick to include that there were no explosive devices already built at the time of the attack and that the community is now safe.
Law enforcement officials are working with federal officials on the ongoing investigation. The suspects will go in front of the grand jury on Wednesday. Johnson was charged with second-degree murder and Talylor was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
The Courtyard Marriott will be closed for three days while the police continue their investigation. As of Wednesday afternoon, repairs were being made to the hotel’s exterior glass and an alternate entrance way.