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A Schenectady County jury has convicted Corydon Carlton, 41, of second-degree murder for the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend, Renee Stratton, at the Imperial Motel in Schenectady. Carlton now faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 19.
The jury reached its verdict on Tuesday (December 9), following a weeklong trial and deliberations that began on Monday. According to Times Union, the prosecution presented evidence showing that Carlton inflicted severe blunt force trauma on Stratton, causing multiple rib fractures, a lacerated liver, and two collapsed lungs. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies supported the prosecution's case, revealing that Carlton was in the motel room for about three hours during the attack.
Prosecutors argued that Carlton was enraged after Stratton failed to steal money for crack cocaine, leading to the violent assault. Carlton attempted to stage the scene to make it appear as though Stratton had drowned, but forensic evidence contradicted this claim. After the incident, Carlton fled the scene but was later apprehended in Colonie.
Schenectady County Assistant District Attorney Nick McDonald described the attack as "vicious and prolonged," emphasizing the jury's just decision. Carlton's defense attorney, Kyle Davis, expressed disappointment with the verdict and plans to appeal.
Stratton's death has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and substance abuse, with the Schenectady County District Attorney's office highlighting the brutality of the crime. As reported by WNYT, District Attorney Robert Carney stated, "Renee Stratton died a horrendous death at the hands of Mr. Carlton."