HUDSON — A man and a woman from Elizaville were arraigned Wednesday and charged with the second-degree murder of a 64-year-old Long Island man.
Cassandra Fischer 30, and Ryan Woods 29, were each charged in a seven-count indictment Wednesday, accused of intentionally causing the death of an elderly Long Island man who had been staying with them since late 2021.
Fischer and Woods, who were not related to the victim, were each charged with second-degree murder a class A-I felony; two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, a class D felony; two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, a class E felony; and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, a class E felony. Fischer was charged additionally with second-degree grand larceny, a class C felony.
The charges stem from the February death of Ed Kessler, 64, formerly of Long Island, at Fischer and Woods’ home on Mountain View Drive in Elizaville. Kessler’s body was found in February after police receiving a report that a man was found dead at that location. Fischer and Woods are suspected of mistreating, stealing from and intentionally causing the death of an Kessler, who had been living with them since late 2021. The couple befriended Kessler, but it is not known why he was staying with them, said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Carty, who is prosecuting the case.
The indictment alleged that between November 2021 and Feb 6, 2022 Fischer unlawfully stole from Kessler over $50,000 in property, valued at over $50,000.
Fischer and Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges in court Wednesday.
“It’s my determination that the least restrictive means by which the defendants can be assured to return to court is to be remanded without bail,” Judge Richard Koweek said.
Cary said Fischer posed a substantial flight risk for court appearance. He added Fischer is on felony probation for a charge that originated in Suffolk County. Carty did not reveal the felony charge resulting in Fischer’s probation.
“Prior to the arrest on this instance, she (Fischer) also has a pending felony charge out of Rhinebeck,” Carty said. “Additionally, your honor, she has four counts of failure to appear [in court].”
Despite Woods not having a criminal record, Carty said he believed the defendant is a substantial flight risk.
New York State Police is investigating the case. The Columbia County District Attorney’s office commended the work of the State Police, including State Police Senior Investigator Eric Barnes and Investigator James Sokolowski.
The next court appearance for Fischer and Woods is scheduled for June 2.