Joey Paul pleads to Manslaughter 1st degree in shooting of boyfriend in Town of Schuylerville today in Saratoga County Court.
Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III announced today that Joey M. Paul (DOB 12-21-83) of 12 Birch Ln., Stillwater, N.Y. pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree in violation of section 125.20 (2) of the Penal Law as Class B Violent Felony.
Paul admitted to intentionally causing the death of Matthew Furlani while under the influence of an “extreme emotional disturbance”. This plea today stems from an incident that occurred on July 1, 2012 at 82 Church St., Schuylerville, NY wherein the defendant shot Matthew Furlani with a high powered assault rifle at close range in the upstairs bedroom area of his apartment. Neighbors had heard arguing just prior to the gunshot.
Furlani suffered one fatal gunshot wound to the head which caused immediate death.
The couple had a tumultuous relationship prior to the incident.
Multiple neighbors called 911 upon hearing the gunshot.
New York State Police- Malta responded to the scene and found the defendant at that location. She was taken into custody at that location. Trooper Aaron Stefanik was the first on the scene. The scene was secured and held until such time that the NYSP Forensic Investigation Unit arrived and processed the scene for the collection of evidence.
The defendant was arraigned and evaluated and subsequently transported to The Central NY Psychiatric Center, at Marcy, NY.
DA Murphy said “This conviction is what we would have expected after trial. She committed the murder, but would have been permitted to interpose the affirmative defense of ‘extreme emotional disturbance’ based on her previous medical diagnosis. Justice required that the judge and we consider that in this disposition.”
She has a significant prior misdemeanor record for minor theft offenses and no felony convictions.
The family of Matthew Furlani was in the courtroom today and advised Assistant DA Lyn Murphy who prosecuted the case that they were grateful that the DA’s Office fought for their deceased family member and that the disposition was appropriate. They indicated that “while nothing can bring him back”, they are “grateful for the closure.”
Paul faces 18.5 years when she is to be sentenced on January 7, 2014 before Judge Scarano. The sentence range for Paul is between 5 and 25 years. She also faces 5 years of post-release supervision.
Hon. James A. Murphy, III
Saratoga County District Attorney
Director and Past Chair
NYS District Attorney’s Association
25 West High Street
Municipal Center
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
518-885-2263 wk
518-884-8627 fax
DA website: www.jimmurphyda.com
Follow me on Twitter: @JimMurphyIII