Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced that Juan A. Vazquez (DOB 10-7-73), of 129 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls New York, plead guilty today in Saratoga County Court to Murder in the Second Degree, in violation of Section 125.25(1) of the Penal Law of the State of New York, a Class “A-1” Felony, before Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III. Vazquez admitted that on April 10, 2020 he intentionally caused the death of victim Kenny J. Shipski. The case stemmed from an argument over drugs that ended with Vazquez stabbing the victim multiple times after visiting his room at the Clearview Motel in the Village of South Glens Falls. With this plea, the defendant has taken responsibility for his actions in murdering Shipski.
District Attorney Heggen stated that “With this guilty plea to Murder in the Second Degree, the top count in the indictment, Vazquez admitted that he killed Kenny Shipski in his hotel room. This very sad case demonstrates that, in the world of drugs, violence is inevitable, and a very dangerous offender is off the streets and will very likely spend the rest of his life in prison. It is because of the quality, speed and thoroughness of the investigation conducted by the South Glens Falls Police Department, Saratoga County Sheriffs initial responders, and the New York State Police that my office was able to secure a plea to the top count of the indictment. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated law enforcement agencies in our county.”
Heggen also noted that the District Attorney’s Office has been in regular contact with the victim’s family throughout the proceedings. Sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2020 at 11:30am, where the defendant is expected to receive a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Jesse Ashdown and Sam Maxwell prosecuted the case.