Suspect named in Kenoza Lake murder

Posted 9/27/18

A suspect has been named in the murder of Lorraine Gempler, who was killed on Monday night, September 23  in her house in Kenoza Lake on Swiss Hill North Rd. Sullivan County District Attorny Jim …

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Suspect named in Kenoza Lake murder

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A suspect has been named in the murder of Lorraine Gempler, who was killed on Monday night, September 23  in her house in Kenoza Lake on Swiss Hill North Rd. Sullivan County District Attorny Jim Farrell and Sheriff Mike Schiff held a press conference on Thursday and said Toby Jay Smith is accused of killing Gempler, who was 83.

Farrell said Smith, 42, who lives just down the road, entered the home with the probable intention of stealing valuables. At about 7:30 p.m. Gempler came home when Smith was in her house. Farrell said Smith used a weapon in the act, but not a gun, and Gempler was seriously wounded..

Smith then left the home and immediately was confronted by two "good samaritans" in the driveway. One of the good samaratins was injured in the struggle as the suspect fought them, but they were able to hold him down until a Sheriff's Deputy arrived and he was able to get cuffs on him and into the back of the patrol car.

Gempler was taken by ambulance to Catskill Regional Medical Center but later died of her injuries.

Smith was als injured in his struggle with the two good samaritans and is in Orange County Medical Center, but he is expected to be transfered to Sullivan County Jail at some point in the future.

Schiff expressed gratitude to the good samaritans, and both men called them "heros" but declined to identify them at this point. One of them was a friend and another was a neighbor. Schiff said not everyone would have the physical ability to do what they did, but he was grateful they took action in this case.

Smith has been charged with second degree murder and related charges and could face 25 years to life, if convicted of the charges at trial.

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