Orange County News
For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek
June 10, 2021 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler Announces Charges in Newburgh Shooting Death
After Eight-Month Investigation, Defendant Charged with
Murder in Shooting Death of Man
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Thursday, June 10, 2021, Joshua Williams, 31, of Newburgh, has been charged with crimes including Murder in the Second Degree. The charges were filed in connection with the fatal shooting of a man on Liberty Street in the City of Newburgh on September 19, 2020. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Newburgh Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Williams.
Williams is wanted on an Orange County Court Indictment Warrant charging him with Murder in the Second Degree, and related charges. It is alleged that Williams intentionally caused the death of Jaime Fincher by shooting him using a loaded firearm. It is also alleged that while discharging the firearm, Williams, under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to others at the scene.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department, the New York State Police, Troop F, Major Crimes Unit, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, and the Village of Walden Police Department.
“From the beginning, this was a difficult case with little cooperation from the community,” said Acting City of Newburgh Police Chief Kevin Lahar. “However, the tireless efforts of some very dedicated law enforcement investigators, together with members of the Orange County District Attorney’s office, proved remarkable. This case is an example of mutual respect and cooperation, both within our police department and with members of our community, who came together to identify the assailant and hold him accountable for the murder of Jamie Fincher. Violent criminal conduct has no place in our communities, and we will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners and citizens to ensure justice is served for victims of violent crime.”
“Brazen gunplay in the streets of Orange County is intolerable and the tragic consequences of such conduct are laid bare in this case,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “The commendable teamwork of the numerous law enforcement agencies who have been dedicated to this long-term investigation have ensured that justice delayed will not be justice denied. I thank all those agencies for coming together to bring this matter to justice. My office will seek to hold those responsible who demonstrate such a blatant disregard for human life and the safety of our community.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Jason Rosenwasser and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bennett.
This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.