Orange County News
 For Immediate Release                                Contact: Christopher Borek
July 20, 2021                                            845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c

District Attorney Hoovler Announces Murder Charges in Newburgh Shooting Death

Newburgh Man Arraigned on Charges including Murder in the Second Degree 

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Wednesday, July 20, 2021, Joshua Williams, 31, of Newburgh, was arraigned by Judge Robert J. Prisco in Orange County Court, on an indictment charging him with crimes including Murder in the Second Degree.  The indictment was in connection with the fatal shooting of a man on Liberty Street in the City of Newburgh on September 19, 2020.  

Williams was charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (2 counts), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. 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. 

Bail was set in the amount of $750,000.00 cash, or $ 2,000,000.00 insurance company bond, or $3,000,000.00 partially secured bond.   Williams is next scheduled to appear in court by video on August 4, 2021, before Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim.

Williams had been wanted on an arrest warrant since June 10, 2021. District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department, the United States Marshall’s Service, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police for their actions in finding Williams after the Indictment Warrant had been issued. Williams was arrested by the City of Newburgh Police Department on July 20, 2021.

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 for their investigation of the case. 

“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.”

“I thank the many agencies that aided in the arrest of this defendant,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Brazen gunplay in the streets of Orange County is intolerable and the tragic consequences of such conduct are laid bare in this case. 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.