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Saturday, July 27, 2024

Man from Schenectady Found Guilty in New Year’s Murder in Rotterdam

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A resident of Schenectady has been found guilty in the homicide case ‌that​ took place ‍on ⁤New Year’s⁣ Day ⁣2022 in⁣ Rotterdam, as confirmed by the⁢ Schenectady‌ County District⁣ Attorney’s office.

Christopher ‌Smith-Wadsworth, a 32-year-old Schenectady native, was convicted on Friday for second-degree⁣ murder and third-degree criminal possession of a⁤ weapon, in relation to ⁢the stabbing death of Sutlesh Girdharry on January​ 1, 2022, in Rotterdam.

Following his conviction, Smith-Wadsworth is now looking at a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. His sentencing ⁢is scheduled for June ‍25, according to​ officials.

The fatal stabbing incident occurred outside a residence on Curry⁢ Road, where a New Year’s celebration was taking place, as per the prosecutors.

They further explained that an argument ‌broke out, leading some⁣ party-goers to leave. However, ⁢they ‌returned⁣ shortly after in ​a car, accompanied by⁣ others in a second vehicle.

“A brawl ensued between some party attendees and ‌those who had returned ⁣in the cars,” the prosecutors stated ‌in a press release.

“Smith-Wadsworth was found⁤ guilty of stabbing the unarmed Girdharry multiple times with a knife, which resulted in his death.”

Smith-Wadsworth, who had been out on bail during the trial, was taken into custody immediately after the guilty verdict was announced.

“I am extremely proud of my trial ​team who managed to‍ secure a conviction despite several hurdles, including the fact ⁣that ​no one at the party could⁣ identify Smith-Wadsworth,” said Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney. “Moreover, some of those who could‌ identify⁣ him, his ⁣friends in the cars, were not ⁣fully ⁤cooperative.”

The ‌defense​ argued that Smith-Wadsworth’s use of deadly force was justified, according to Carney.

“However, the jury concluded that Smith-Wadsworth had ‍brought a knife to a fistfight with an unarmed man,” Carney stated.‍ “He inflicted a series of fatal stab wounds to Girdharry’s forearm and neck, severing arteries in‍ both locations. These actions were in no way justifiable under the circumstances and clearly⁣ demonstrated his intent to kill.”

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Emily Stanton
Emily Stanton
Emily Stanton, a skillful journalist previously based in Boston, is adept at covering a diverse array of stories. Her thorough and engaging reporting style, honed with a Master's in Journalism from Boston University, focuses on community-relevant stories.
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