Press Release - People v Shawn Tyler Plea

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT DATE: MAY 1, 2012 RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V SHAWN TYLER Shawn Tyler, age 35, formerly of Hurley, New York, pled guilty to Murder in the first degree before the Hon. Donald A. Williams, Ulster County Court Judge, today May 1st, 2012. Tyler faced an Ulster County indictment for Murder in the first degree for the bludgeoning death of Ann Gaffney while in the course of robbing her. The case sent shock waves through Hurley, a quiet residential community generally insulated from violent crimes of this nature. The victim was killed in her home where Tyler and a partner rented a room. On December 21, 2011 the defendant went to the basement of the home where Ms. Gaffney was sleeping, woke her and then struck her from behind with a sledge hammer that he had taken to the basement for that purpose. After bludgeoning the victim he stole $270.00 in cash and an ATM credit card which he used to buy crack. According to the autopsy the victim died as a result of multiple rib fractures which pierced her lungs. According to a statement made by the defendant to the police he had intended to hide the victim’s body the next day but when his partner learned what he had done she called 911. The New York State Police immediately responded and apprehended the defendant within a mile of the crime scene. The defendant admitted to New York State Police investigators that he murdered Ms. Gaffney and forensic evidence corroborated the details of his admissions. Tyler is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Williams on July 10th. It is anticipated the defendant will be sentenced to 25 years to life in State Prison. I have handled my share of murder cases over the years. This one was particularly chilling. In my judgment this was nothing short of a cold blooded, pre-meditated killing.