2012 January
January 24, 2012 – Fatal Fire 212 Fairview Avenue – update
The investigation into an early morning fire with 3 fatalities on January 21, 2012 at 112 Fairview Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie is still being investigated by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
Chief of Police Thomas Mauro stated that Detectives are canvassing the surrounding neighborhood again today to discover any potential new witnesses. Chief Mauro requests that anyone that may have any still or video photographs of this fire, and have not yet spoken to police or fire officials, to please contact the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department Detective Division as soon as possible at 845-485-3670.
In addition, anyone who believes they have any relevant information concerning this investigation is asked to come forward as well.
The possible cause of the fire is still under investigation by police and fire investigators.
January 23, 2012 – Fatal Fire 212 Fairview Avenue – update
The investigation into an early morning fire with 3 fatalities at 112 Fairview Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie is still being investigated by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division and the office of the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Chief of Police Thomas Mauro stated that the medical examiner’s office has completed the autopsies of the remaining two fire victims. One victim had previously been identified as Eva Block, age 21, a student at Marist College from Woodbridge, CT.
The second victim has now been identified as Kerry R. Fitzsimons, 21 years of age. She was a student at Marist College and is from Commack, N.Y. The cause of death determined through the investigation and medical examiner is smoke inhalation.
The third deceased fire victim has been identified as Kevin P. Johnson, 21 years of age. He was a student at Dutchess Community College and is from New Canaan, CT. The cause of death determined through the investigation and medical examiner is smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
Chief Thomas Mauro and the members of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department again extend our heartfelt condolences to all family members and everyone that was personally affected by this fire.
January 22, 2012: Fatal Fire – 112 Fairview Avenue
The investigation into an early morning fire with 3 fatalities at 112 Fairview Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie is still being investigated by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division and the office of the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Chief of Police Thomas Mauro stated that on Sunday, January 22, 2012 Town of Poughkeepsie Detectives were continuing the investigation. In addition, the county medical examiner’s office is the process of completing autopsies of the 3 fire victims.
Chief Mauro stated “I can confirm that one deceased female fire victim has been identified as Eva Block, age 21, a student at Marist College from Woodbridge, Connecticut. The cause of death determined through the investigation and medical examiner is smoke inhalation.”
The official confirmation of the names and cause of death for the 2 additional fatalities will not be released at this time pending autopsy results and the preliminary investigative findings of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
Chief Mauro also stated that “all three families were notified personally of the deaths on Saturday January 21, 2012.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is undetermined at this point in time. “It appears that the fire started at the rear portion of the home and tragically spread very rapidly from there, trapping the 3 victims inside the structure.”
Chief Thomas Mauro and the members of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department extend our heartfelt condolences to all family members and everyone that was personally affected by this fire. I also wish to commend the dedicated hard work of all first responders and fire investigation teams who worked tirelessly in very difficult circumstances. “The community should be very proud of their dedicated service.”
January 1, 2012: Assault, Weapon
On Sunday, January 1, 2012, at 12:52 a.m. The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department responded to the Camelot Village Trailer Park on Sheafe Road for a reported assault. Responding officers requested an ambulance for an unconscious male with a head injury. A subsequent investigation revealed the male victim was assaulted by three individuals with a baseball bat and wooden poles. The victim was transported to St. Francis Hospital for severe head injuries and is currently listed in critical condition.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department reports the investigation led to the arrest of three individuals connected to the incident who were arrested later the same day. They are identified as:
Joseph P. Voght
Age: 23
Address: 17 Surrey Lane Wappingers Falls NY
Dante Monopoli
Age:18
Address: 192 Titusville Road Poughkeepsie (Town) NY
Ryan P. Disotell
Age:18
Address: 31 Forbus Street 3H Poughkeepsie (City) NY
All three individuals were charged with Assault with a weapon, and Gang Assault 1st Degree, both Class B Felonies.
Subjects were arraigned on January 1, 2012, before Judge Banner and remanded to Dutchess County jail on $100,000 cash / $200,000 bail, to return 01/04/2012 at 9:30am.
