Marist Family Member Victim of Fatal Shooting
Updated 7:05 p.m. ET Oct. 3, 2022
A Marist family member was the victim of a fatal shooting at a Poughkeepsie hotel Sunday morning.
The victim was brought to MidHudson Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Two male suspects were taken into custody, per the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Facebook page.
“A hotel room was found to contain manuals related to the making of explosive devices, as well as materials with the potential to be used as explosives,” shared the police. “The New York State Police Bomb Squad responded and secured the material.”
Marist Director of Safety & Security John Blaisdell noted in an email Sunday afternoon that “there is no ongoing danger to the Marist community.”
That sentiment was reaffirmed by the police department Sunday evening saying, “The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department currently has no information or reason to believe that there is a threat to Marist College or any other school in the Town of Poughkeepsie.”
“The suspect did not know the victim, we believe it was a random act,” said Town of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Joseph Cavaliere during a press conference on Monday.
“At approximately 7:30 AM, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department received a 911 call of a disturbance at the Courtyard Marriott located at 2641 South Road,” according to the police statement. “During the phone call, it was reported that shots had been fired.”
On Monday, the police identified the two perpetrators as Roy A. Johnson Jr. and Devin M. Taylor. Johnson, 35, was charged with one count of second degree murder and one count of second degree criminal possession of a weapon and was not given bail. Taylor, 26, was charged with two counts of second degree criminal possession of a weapon and bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1 million in bonds or $5 million in partially secured bonds.
“The investigation is continuing,” said the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Facebook page.
Many parents and family members of Marist students were on campus and in the local area as Marist hosted its annual Family Weekend.
Blaisdell noted that Counseling Services is available for Marist students by calling 845-575-3314 or emailing counseling.services@marist.edu.
Note from the Marist Circle Editorial Team: We are deeply saddened by the news of this tragic event and share our deepest condolences with the Marist community members who are affected. Please respect the family and their privacy during this time.