Peekskill man gets 30 years for first degree murder
Reginald McClure, 40, of Peekskill, who has prior felony convictions, was sentenced on Nov. 7 to 25 years for manslaughter in the first degree and five years for each of the two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, all felonies.
The sentences for the gun charges will run concurrently to each other and consecutively to the 25-year sentence on the manslaughter charge. McClure pled guilty on May 17.
At approximately 7:32 p.m. on May 21, 2023, the victim, 53-year-old Ernest Wilson of Poughkeepsie, was dropping off his child with the child’s mother, the defendant’s girlfriend, at her Sherman Avenue home in Peekskill. Seeing the defendant walking up the street, the victim extended his hand to greet the defendant, who, in return, fired six rounds from a 9mm firearm striking the victim twice, in the arm and buttock. The shooting was witnessed by Wilsons’ two children.
Wilson was transported to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where he died as a result of his injuries on May 24, 2023.
The defendant fled the scene but was apprehended and arrested at a Yonkers hotel on May 25, 2023, following an investigation by the Peekskill Police Department and the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force. At the time of capture, the defendant was illegally in possession of two loaded firearms.
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the Yonkers Police Department and the New York State Police assisted with the investigation.
In a victim impact statement read in court, one of the children said: “My father was a wonderful man…and now I can never share another birthday with my birthday twin, I could never crack another joke with my father and … I can never watch our favorite Marvel movies again …. You took the most valuable thing of my life … my father.”
“In this brazen act of gun violence this defendant left children traumatized and without a father,” said Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah. “Now that this defendant is removed from our streets and brought to justice, we hope the family of Ernest Wilson can begin to find closure and healing.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Celia Curtis of the Trials and Investigations Division.
Peekskill man gets 16 years in rape cases solved by police
Peekskill resident Cristian Panza, 43, was sentenced to 16 years in state prison with 20 years post-release supervision to run concurrently to 15 years in state prison with 15 years post-release supervision for the 2018 crime.
Panza pled guilty in September to rape in the first degree and attempted rape in the first degree.
At approximately 10 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2021, Panza was at a recreational sporting event where he encountered the 20-year-old victim with whom he was familiar through his mechanic shop in Peekskill. The defendant took her to a bar in town where he bought the victim several drinks until she became highly intoxicated.
Under the pretense of driving her home, the defendant took the victim to Depew Park where he strangled and raped her. The victim was able to get away from the defendant and immediately reported the attack.
The Peekskill Police Department apprehended and arrested the defendant as he attempted to flee the area. At police headquarters, the defendant took a drink of water from a cup, which was retained for DNA testing.
Noticing a similar fact pattern, prosecutors at the Westchester DA’s Office requested lab comparison testing of the defendant’s DNA developed from the cup to forensic materials collected from an unsolved 2018 case of attempted rape in Peekskill.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2018, Panza encountered an intoxicated 39-year-old victim in a Peekskill bar. When the victim left the bar, the defendant followed her and offered her a ride home. Believing the defendant was a cab driver, the victim entered the rear of the defendant’s vehicle and provided a destination address.
Instead of driving her to that address, the defendant drove to a wooded area. When the victim demanded to know where he had taken her, defendant climbed to the rear of the vehicle, strangled and attempted to rape her.
The victim scratched the defendant as she fought him off, and ran away to a nearby residential building where she banged on doors seeking help and police were called.
DNA from the evidence collection kit in that assault only yielded a limited profile, making it ineligible for comparison against national or state databases of convicted offenders, but appropriate for case-to-case comparisons.
The case was solved after prosecutors proactively moved to compare the DNA from the 2021 case with the 2018 cold case, which matched.
In statements read in court, one victim said: “To this day, I remember it like it was yesterday, and even now, sometimes I cry and ask myself, “Why me?”…I am thankful every day for the good people who supported me throughout this process and for bringing justice so no one else has to endure what I went through.”
The other victim said: “I was both physically and psychologically impacted by the defendant’s attack. I lived in constant fear and on some days, although years later, I still do. I believe the sentence is fair and that God will also judge the defendant’s punishment.”
The District Attorney thanked the City of Peekskill Police Department for their work on the case. “For a number of years, answers and closure evaded two women who were brutally and sexually assaulted in Peekskill,” said Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah. “Thanks to the committed prosecutors in this office and our law enforcement partners who never gave up on solving these cases, we have aptly secured justice for them today.”
The case was prosecuted by Special Prosecutions Division Deputy Chief Michelle Lopez with assistance from Sex Crimes Bureau Chief Wendy Parra and Senior Assistant District Attorney Marissa Morra-Wynn.
The DA’s Office Special Prosecutions Division is available to help victims and witnesses of sexual assault at (914) 994-3000.
Gun Buyback removed more than 100 guns from neighborhood streets
Clayton picked by Trump as U.S. Attorney in Manhattan
Jay Clayton is President Trump’s pick to become the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), a jurisdiction that includes all of Westchester County and Peekskill.
The SDNY office, based in Manhattan, prosecutes civil and criminal federal cases including major drug enforcement actions. Clayton would replace the current U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, appointed by President Biden in 2021. The Senate must confirm all U.S. Attorneys.
The SDNY office is currently prosecuting a major drug case involving several residents of Peekskill who face life in prison if convicted of all charges.
Clayton was named chairman of the Security and Exchange Commission in 2017 during the first Trump administration. He is currently an attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell, a major New York City firm and serves on the board of Apollo Global Management, a large private equity firm. Clayton has no experience as a prosecutor.
New nuclear in New York’s energy future?
Three years after the Indian Point Nuclear Generating Station was closed forever, New York state officials are exploring the future of nuclear power in New York. They now believe there is a future.
Pursuing more high tech companies that manufacture advanced computer chips and the artificial intelligence companies that need vast amounts of energy, Gov. Kathy Hochul has determined that the newest nuclear generating technology could be a critical resource in winning them over.
“The power I’m generating from the New York Power Authority, which is generated from Niagara Falls, can do a lot of it, but not all of it,” Hochul said recently according to a published report.
Three nuclear power plants operate now along Lake Ontario near the Canadian border. They produced nearly half of the energy in upstate New York in2023, according to the New York Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid.
Small modular nuclear reactors, which can be built offsite and shipped to secure locations near companies needing large amounts of energy, offer a potential solution.
“At some point, and I don’t know how far down the road this would be, they have to come with their own plug-and-play reactor that’s been preapproved,” Hochul said. “Come with your own power.”
Townhouses proposed behind White Mansion on Main Street
The Big White Mansion on Main Street will have a new townhouse built behind it if plans for a nine-unit building are completed.
The property owner, 660 Main Street LLC, presented the proposal to the Planning Commission at its Nov. 13 meeting. The nine townhouses would each have two bedrooms, a one-car garage, and contain 1,260 square feet of space on two levels.
The building there now, known as the Chauncey M. Depew House, contains five units. The new townhouses are planned as market-rate rentals and do not fall under the mandate to provide any affordable units.
The property owner, 660 Main Street LLC, bought the site from Kenneth G. Martin Jr. in 2017 for $452,000 according to a deed filed in the county clerk’s office.
A mortgage recorded in 2019 lists two managing members of 660 Main Street LLC – Peekskill Holdings LLC and Hudson Realty Investors LLC. Brendon Fitzgerald is member/manager of the first and Louis F. Lanza of the second.
That mortgage took a loan of $1.7 million on five properties: 1001 Lower South St.; 943 Second St.; 939 Second St.; 660 Main St.; and 419 Main St.
– By Jim Roberts
Three Peekskill residents enter Seniors Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Peekskill residents Frances Berry, Rupert “Ted” Bitter, and Paula Santacroce on being selected for the Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
This annual event helps raise awareness and celebrates the many ways Westchester’s older adults are working and volunteering to meet the needs of our community.
The Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame event will be hosted by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, Westchester Parks, Recreation and Conservation and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.
Join in celebrating our seniors on Friday, Dec. 6, more information is available here.
Food Drive for Fred’s Pantry underway by Peekskill Walks
Peekskill Walks is holding its Second Annual Food Drive in support of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) to help provide neighbors with healthy, delicious meals for this holiday season.
Requested items include spices, beans (bags or cans), rice, tomato sauce and paste, cooking oil and other non-perishables staples. The drive continues through Nov. 24. Donations will benefit Fred’s Pantry.
The drop-off locations are: Copy Center & Services on Park Street, Peekskill Coffee House, Valley Greens on Central Avenue, Benny’s Brown Bag, The Central, Cloud914 on Washington Street, and Fuhgeddaboudit Deli on Welcher Avenue.
Learn about the Girl Scouts Nov. 23 at Trolls party
Peekskill Girls Scouts are looking for new members in grades K-6 and parent volunteers as well. A Trolls-themed recruitment party will take place on Nov. 23 at Peekskill Youth Bureau from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Activities that day at the party include Trolls crafts, interactive games and a dance party. Participants will earn a Trolls Fun patch. Join the Girl Scouts for $25 and join in the fun through September 2025. Financial aid is available on upon request.
Whether you’ve always wanted to build your own robot, create the perfect s’more over a campfire, plant a tree in your community, or film your own movie—your dreams will take flight as a Girl Scout!
If you’re ready to try fun new things, make lasting memories, discover your hidden talents, have real-world learning experiences, and—most importantly—find a safe space to be your unique self…we want you in our crew!
For more information about the Trolls event and about the Peekskill Girl Scouts, contact Ciera at [email protected] or call 914-930.9448.
PHS alumni offer guidance in planning the next step
A group of Peekskill High School class of 2022 alumni are offering workshops for current high school students to explore post-secondary options.
The mission of Pathways is to support those applying to college, considering trade school, or exploring other pathways. They can tailor workshops to fit any needs or interests.
The principles are Arianna Suarez, Barnard ’26, economics and cognitive science; Samantha Barragan, NYU ’26, biology, pre-dental; and Valeria Ortega Preciado, Baruch ’26, computer information systems.
They can provide guest speakers, career professionals, other PHS alumni, college students and PHS alumni in the workforce to share their wisdom and offer guidance and offer their experiences as a student living in New York City.
For more information, contact [email protected] or go to the website.
Federal funds help low income residents with heating bills
New York state will receive over $360 million in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This money will help thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems this winter. Use the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool to find out if your household qualifies for assistance.
LIHEAP provides assistance by covering heating costs, preventing energy shutoffs, reconnecting disconnected services, and funding minor home repairs to keep households warm and safe. This support is essential for families, especially those with older adults, children, or individuals with disabilities, to maintain safe indoor temperatures through the cold months.
To find out if you are eligible for the program go to the website link here. For additional information, please call 1-866-674-6327.
Take the kids to Spins Hudson for indoor winter fun
Whether bouncing off the walls or tapping into their creativity, kids will remain entertained at these fun to-dos during the cooler months, according to Westchester magazine.
The magazine offers parents 10 locations in the county where kids can get their playtime indoors during the cold weather of winter, snow or no snow.
One of the best spots to bring the kiddies is right here in Peekskill.
5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill; 914.930.7920
Come one, come all to the largest entertainment venue on the Hudson. Everyone in your family will be entertained in this 40,000-square-foot adventure venue. Activities include an aerial ropes course, axe throwing, a two-story laser tag arena, and an arcade. Not only will your little ones be entertained all day long, but you can dine and have a cold beverage courtesy of River Outpost Brewing Co.
To find out more about all the other winter kids’ activities, read the article here.
The Bear Mountain Bridge changed everything forever
For one hundred years the Bear Mountain Bridge has played a vital role in connecting both sides of the Hudson River and bringing commerce and visitors to Peekskill and the Hudson Valley.
A recent article in Scenic Hudson’s Hudson Valley Viewfinder Magazine recounts the origin of what was once the nation’s longest suspension bridge.
“A Hudson River crossing to transport goods, primarily coal from Pennsylvania destined for New England, had been discussed for decades, and the narrow stretch of river between Bear Mountain and Anthony’s Nose was chosen. The Hudson Highland Suspension Bridge Company incorporated in 1868 with plans ranging from a simple railroad crossing to a two-tier system that would allow for a train crossing on the upper level and a cart and pedestrian crossing on the lower. Land was purchased and surveys completed, but negotiations stalled for decades.”
The full article is available here.
Paul Moerlins promoted to detective by Peekskill Police
Peekskill Police Officer Paul Moerlins has been promoted to the rank of Detective.
Detective Moerlins has six years of dedicated service to the Peekskill community, and during this time he has demonstrated notable investigative skills, commitment, and exceptional work ethic.
His dedication to the City of Peekskill is evident in his tireless efforts, exemplary casework and efforts put forward to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. Detective Moerlins’ knowledge of policing practices has been instrumental in solving numerous cases and maintaining the peace and security of our community.
Please join the Peekskill Policy Department in congratulating Detective Moerlins on his promotion and wish him the best in his new role.
Obituary
Gertrude (Trudy) Elizabeth Stewart
Gertrude (Trudy) Elizabeth Stewart was born to Oliver Mitchell and Bertha Mitchell on April 8, 1929 in White Plains NY. Much of her childhood was spent in rural Virginia near the town of Farmville, living with relatives of her mother. Trudy was the valedictorian of her high school class before attending Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia.
Trudy enjoyed her time at Virginia Union, with notable classmates including Douglas Wilder (later the first Black governor of the state of Virginia) and Marion Barry (later mayor of Washington D.C.). She graduated from Virginia Union in June of 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1953 she married Richmond native Benjamin H. Thompson III. Shortly thereafter the couple moved to northern Westchester, first to Elmsford and then to Peekskill, where Trudy was happy to spend the rest of her life. The couple welcomed two children, a boy in 1954 and a girl in 1959. During this period Trudy decided to enter the workforce to utilize her degree. Through sheer perseverance she was hired by Nationwide Insurance in White Plains, rising to the position of Commercial Underwriter, a job she loved, turning down offers from the company to go into management.
Trudy was an active member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, and was devoted to Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Peekskill, especially in the choirs. She is survived by her loving family: son Benjamin H. Thompson IV and wife Jocelyn, of San Francisco, California; daughter Tracey M. Brannigan and husband Raymond, of Cortlandt Manor; grandchildren Terrell M. Brannigan of West Palm Beach, Florida; William L. Thompson, of Rexburg, Idaho; and Alex Brannigan, of Cortlandt Manor; and many friends and her Mt. Lebanon Church Family.
William George Bowman
William George Bowman (lovingly known as (“Boe”) passed away peacefully in Mohegan Lake, NY on Nov. 10, 2024, at the age of 70. Bill was born on Jan. 28, 1954 to the late Edward and Mary Bowman lifelong residents of the community.
Bill is survived by his daughter Kathryn (David) Beccaria and his son Mathew (Donna) Bowman. He was blessed to have seven grandchildren as well as one great grandchild. Bill was a loving son, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He took special pleasure in his role as Grandpa (Pop). He also leaves behind many cousins and especially Ellie Moshier, who helped him navigate his health challenges the last few years. He is predeceased by his daughter Jenna Bowman who passed away earlier this year.
Bill attended Cornell University on a scholarship and was a proud member of Cornell’s undefeated freshman football team of 1972 under the legendary coach Ted Thoren. He enjoyed the lasting friendship with dozens of “brothers” from his Cornell football playing days.. His passionate support for these friendships and the program will be sorely missed.
Bill embarked on a career that took him to active involvement with IBM, Seagram’s, and later years transitioning to a career with Lincoln Hall as a counselor. Bill is known for his swimming talent and worked at the Peekskill Park and Recreation and was the head lifeguard and trained many youths to become excellent swimmers and lifeguards. His passion for assisting youth was a hallmark of his career. His stern yet steady and fair hand was the highlight of the guidance he provided to hundreds of youths through the years.
In his younger years, he was a talented athlete, excelling in swimming and held the record of swimming across the Hudson River starting at the River Front. He was known for his breaststrokes and his butterfly strokes. He played football and baseball at Peekskill High School and football in college. He was an avid horseback rider, held a black belt in Judo and Jujitsu, he enjoyed hunting and camping.
Bill was also an altar boy here at St Peter’s and served along with his deceased cousin David Moshier for many years.
